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Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These Best Christmas Cranberry Meatballs deliver a delightful burst of holiday flavors. This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly, so you can spend more time with loved ones. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your Christmas buffet.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Sauce:
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce.
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
  8. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened.
  9. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the cranberry sauce.
  10. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the sauce; no need to thaw frozen cranberries. Adjust the sugar in the cranberry sauce to suit your taste. Use good ground beef and you can add a bit of ground pork to the mixture for extra flavor enhancement. While the sauce is simmering, taste it and adjust it to your preference.