Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive delight that beautifully merge sweet and savory flavors. Tender meatballs are infused with juicy cranberries and coated in a rich, tangy sauce, creating an irresistible dish that will become a holiday favorite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these meatballs promise to fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, thyme, and egg until just combined to ensure tender meatballs.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- While baking, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
- Once meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and simmer on low heat for about five minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs (125g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef. Feel free to add spices like ginger for an extra zing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.