Name: Quick Cranberry Beef Meatballs - Christmas Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 30-35 meatballs
Ingredients: 1 small onion (grated or finely diced); 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup tomato ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste); 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged); 1 cup tomato ketchup; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) are the undisputed cbeef hampions of holiday appetizer tables, and for good reason! Imagin extracte biting into a perfectly tender, savory meatball, coated in a glistening, slightly tart, and wonderfully sweet cranberry sauce. It’s a flavor combination that screams comfort, celebration, and pure festive joy. What makes these Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) so universally adored? It’s their magical ability to be both incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to mingle with guests or enjoy the festive atmosphere, and yet, they deliver a gourmet-worthy taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re the perfect balance of robust meatiness and bright, seasonal fruitiness, making them an unforgettable addition to any holiday gathering. We’ll show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Ingredients:

1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
1 cup breadcrum extractbs (like panko)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
1 cup tomato ketchup
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Making the Meatballs

This is where the magic begin extracts! In a large mixing bowl, combine the very lean ground beef, the finely grated or diced onion, and thrum extractreadcrumbs. Using your hands is the best way to ensure everything is evenly distributed, so don’t be shy about getting in there. The onion will add a subtle sweetness and moisture, rum extractle the breadcrumbs act as a binder, keeping your meatballs nice and tender. Next, crack in the two large eggs. Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and adding richness. For seasoning, add the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. You can always adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference later, but this is a good starting point for a balanced flavor. Finally, add the 1/3 cup of tomato ketchup and the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. The ketchup contributes a touch of sweetness and acidity, while the Worcestershire sauce brings a complex, savory depth that’s absolutely essential for delicious meatballs. Mix everything together thoroughly but gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so aim for just enough mixing until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Once everything is combined, you’re ready to form the meatballs. Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistency in size will ensure they cook evenly. You should get roughly 30-35 meatballs from this quantity.

Baking the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This allows for even browning and prevents them from steaming instead of baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through. You can check for doneness by carefully cutting into one of the meatballs; the inside should no longer be pink. While the meatballs are baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delectable cranberry sauce glaze.

Crafting the Cranberry Sauce Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of cranberry sauce, 1 cup of tomato ketchup, 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The cranberry sauce provides the signature sweet and tart Christmas flavor. The additional tomato ketchup adds a familiar base and helps to thicken the sauce. The brown sugar will enhance the sweetness and give the glaze a lovely caramelized note. The freshly squeezed lemon juice is a secret weapon here; its brightness cuts through the richness of the other ingredients and adds a zesty finish that elevates the entire flavor profile. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the ingredients together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. You’re looking for a glossy consistency that will nicely coat the meatballs. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more lemon juice depending on your preference.

Combining and Finishing

Once the meatballs have finished baking and the cranberry sauce glaze has simmered and thickened, it’s time to bring it all together. Carefully remove the meatballs from the oven. Gently pour or spoon the warm cranberry sauce glaze over the baked meatballs, either directly on the baking sheet or by transferring the meatballs to the saucepan with the glaze. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Ensure every little ball is enveloped in that delicious, glossy sauce. You want them to be glistening! Return the baking sheet with the coated meatballs to the oven, or if you’ve combined them in the saucepan, place the saucepan back on the stove over low heat. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or simmer on the stove, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the glaze and for the sauce to become even more luscious. This final step is crucial for ensuring the glaze adheres beautifully and infuses the meatballs with that irresistible sweet and tangy goodness.

Serving Your Quick Cranberry Meatballs

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a showstopper and incredibly versatile. They are perfect as an appetizer for any holiday gathering, especially Christmas. Serve them hot, directly from the oven or stove, using toothpicks for easy dipping. The vibrant red color of the glaze makes them visually appealing and festive. They also make a fantastic addition to a buffet spread or as a flavorful side dish. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them over rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside roasted vegetables. The sweet and savory combination is always a crowd-pleaser, and the ease with which this recipe comes together makes it a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as these festive delights finish cooking – it’s a true sign of the holidays!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a foolproof guide to creating these delightful Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe)! We’ve explored how simple it is to whip up a batch of these flavor-packed meatballs, perfect for any holiday gathering or even just a cozy evening in. Their sweet and tangy cranberry glaze beautifully complements the savory meatballs, making them an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to disappear fast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions we’ve outlined; they are incredibly versatile! Whether you choose to serve them over rice, with toothpicks, or as part of a larger appetizer spread, these meatballs will undoubtedly be a hit. Remember, this recipe is designed for ease and speed, proving that impressive holiday dishes don’t have to be time-consuming. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the festive flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make these Quick Cranberry Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the sauce separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the meatballs and then combine them with the warm sauce. This makes holiday entertaining so much easier!

Q2: What are some good variations for this Christmas recipe?

There are many delicious ways to switch up this recipe! For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, try using raspberry or orange marmalade instead of cranberry sauce. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of umami.