Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings. These tender pork meatballs are baked and then simmered in a tangy cranberry sauce that adds a delightful sweetness and brightness to every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
• 1 ½ pounds very lean ground pork
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the onion, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/3 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about 32 in total. Using a small ice cream scoop can help keep them uniform in size.
4. Step 4: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160℉.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, combine cranberry sauce, 1 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and cook over medium heat until it begins to boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat and gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Cook until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a different twist, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for pork to lighten the dish.
• Using fresh breadcrumbs made from day-old bread can add better texture to the meatballs.
• Adjust the brown sugar in the sauce to balance sweetness according to your taste.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for a warm holiday aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meatballs. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently and stir before adding the cooked meatballs.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful Christmas recipe featuring juicy lean pork meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a holiday meal, they combine savory and fruity flavors that delight the palate.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 32 meatballs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
• 1 ½ pounds very lean ground pork
• 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)

Sauce

• 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
2. Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, grated onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and form the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs, using a small ice cream scoop if desired for uniformity.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉, ensuring they are fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sauce starts to boil. Reduce the heat, then gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Stir carefully and cook until the meatballs are heated through and well coated, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from heat. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and extra flavor. Serve the meatballs warm to enjoy their full festive taste.

Notes

• Using very lean ground pork helps keep the meatballs tender without excess fat.
• For even cooking, try to make meatballs of similar size, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• The sauce can be made ahead and reheated with the meatballs for convenience.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• For a milder sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference.

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, Christmas recipe, holiday appetizers, baked meatballs, cranberry sauce, pork meatballs