Meatballs in cranberry sauce are a tasty treat! Juicy meatballs get a sweet and tangy boost from the cranberry sauce, making them super yummy. Perfect for a cozy dinner or party snack!
These little bites are so easy to make and they disappear quickly! I love serving them with toothpicks for a fun touch. Trust me, your friends will be asking for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I often use a mix of beef and pork for more flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but panko can add a nice crunch to your meatballs. For gluten-free, try almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is super easy and fresh. If you can’t find cranberry sauce, try using other fruit preserves like apricot or peach for a fun twist.
Onion: Fresh onion adds a nice touch, but onion powder can work if you’re in a pinch. Just use about 1 tsp instead!
Egg: The egg helps bind the meatballs. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) instead.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Meatballs?
Getting meatballs tender can be tricky, but here’s the scoop! First, mix the ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs. Shape them lightly, just enough to hold together.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk as it adds moisture and helps keep them soft.
- When cooking, don’t crowd the pan; it’s better to cook in batches for even browning.
- Use medium heat; cooking too fast can burn the outside while leaving the center raw.
Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce really helps them soak up that delicious flavor too. Happy cooking!
Meatballs In Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you can expect to spend about 40 minutes making these yummy meatballs in cranberry sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk and set aside for a few minutes. This will help keep your meatballs moist and tender.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate while you prepare to cook them.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Add the cooked meatballs into the saucepan with the cranberry sauce, gently coating them in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer together with the sauce for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if you’d like. They make a perfect appetizer or can be enjoyed alongside rice or mashed potatoes!
Enjoy your delicious meatballs in cranberry sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs can be a great shortcut. Just cook them according to the package instructions and then simmer in the cranberry sauce for a few minutes to heat through and soak up flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or extra cranberry sauce to keep them moist while reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground nuts as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture will vary, so adjust your seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and any other condiments are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish!
