Introduction
As the holiday season rolls around, it’s time to embrace the warmth and joy that come with sharing delicious meals with loved ones. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any festive gathering. Juicy meatballs are enveloped in a glossy, tangy cranberry and barbecue sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether served as a delightful appetizer or paired with your favorite sides for a main dish, these meatballs are sure to become a holiday staple!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (12 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), filling the kitchen with a cozy warmth.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them to cook evenly.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and beautifully golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the mixture warms.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld into a harmonious delight.
- Once the meatballs are finished baking, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the warm sauce.
- Gently stir to coat each meatball in the luscious sauce, cooking them for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to enhance the flavors.
- Serve these savory-sweet meatballs warm, whether as a festive appetizer or paired with sides for a hearty main dish.
Notes or Tips
- For a touch of extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to the meatball mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different ground meats, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version of this dish.
- These meatballs can also be made ahead of time—simply bake them, let them cool, and store them in the sauce until ready to serve!
Cooking Techniques
When preparing these quick meatballs, the key is in gentle mixing; overworking the meat can lead to tough meatballs. Aim for a tender texture, and consider using a cookie scoop to shape uniform meatballs for even cooking. Baking instead of frying gives a healthier touch and allows for easy cleanup!
FAQ
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container with the sauce. They can be reheated straight from the freezer!
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These delightful meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. They’re also great on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties!
Conclusion
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor and togetherness during the holiday season. With their delightful balance of sweet and savory, they’re bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Gather your friends and family, and treat them to this comforting dish that captures the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy every bite!