Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
These delightful Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive treat that will impress your family and friends this holiday season. Combining the savory goodness of meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, this simple recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Ideal for feeding a crowd, these meatballs are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
The holidays are the perfect time to gather with loved ones over delicious food. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the celebrations with family and friends.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
The holiday season is a time for celebration, feasting, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a standout dish at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a festive party or attending a potluck, these meatballs will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Their savory flavor combined with a sweet cranberry glaze makes them versatile for various occasions, from Christmas to Thanksgiving. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a range of side dishes, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal without the hassle.
Easy Preparation and Quick Cook Time
In today's busy world, finding time to prepare a scrumptious meal can be challenging. Thankfully, this recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these meatballs in under half an hour. Perfect for last-minute holiday planning or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are a go-to solution for efficient meal prep.
All you need is a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills. The step-by-step instructions provided will guide you through the process, ensuring your meatballs turn out perfectly every time. This recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels, making it accessible and enjoyable to create.
Adjust to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs recipe is its adaptability. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze. Alternatively, you can switch up the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. By customizing the ingredients, you can create a dish that suits your palate perfectly.
Moreover, the glaze can be modified to be less tangy or sweeter by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or cranberry sauce used. This flexibility allows you to experiment and create a unique twist each time you prepare the recipe, ensuring it never gets boring.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your meatballs:
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious meatballs:
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
Make the Glaze
While the meatballs are cooking, in a separate saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
Combine and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the cranberry glaze over them in the skillet. Stir to coat the meatballs and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Make sure to serve with toothpicks for easy eating at your holiday gatherings!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing these meatballs is simple. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal. Add a splash of water or additional glaze during reheating to maintain moisture. This way, you can savor the delightful flavors even days after the initial preparation!
Serving Suggestions
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs can be served in various creative ways. For a casual gathering, try serving them on toothpicks as a tasty appetizer. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling. Alternatively, for a heartier meal, serve them over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful glaze.
Another fun twist is to use the meatballs as a filling for sliders. Simply place them in mini buns, add some cheese or greens, and you’ve got a delightful finger food option your guests will love. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish!
Nutritional Benefits
Not only are these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs incredibly tasty, but they also offer several nutritional benefits. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. When combined with antioxidant-rich cranberries, you get a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.
The addition of onions provides an extra layer of flavor while also contributing beneficial nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. With this dish, you can delight in rich textures and flavors while also providing nourishing elements for you and your family this holiday season.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and glaze a day in advance, then just reheat before serving.
→ What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on a holiday appetizer platter.
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
These delightful Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a festive treat that will impress your family and friends this holiday season. Combining the savory goodness of meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, this simple recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Ideal for feeding a crowd, these meatballs are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
While the meatballs are cooking, in a separate saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the cranberry glaze over them in the skillet. Stir to coat the meatballs and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g