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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Delicious and festive meatballs that perfectly blend sweet and savory flavors, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 6 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 1 can cranberry sauce (14 ounces)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Can be replaced with spicy chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Baking

  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Sauce Preparation

  • While the meatballs are baking, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan.
  • Heat over medium heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally.

Coating and Serving

  • Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and gently stir to coat in the sauce.
  • Serve warm as appetizers, perhaps with toothpicks for easy serving.

Notes

For storage, allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat from frozen as needed.
Keyword Christmas Recipes, Cranberry Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipe, Festive Dishes, Holiday Appetizers