Festive Cranberry Meatballs
Delight your taste buds with these Festive Cranberry Meatballs, a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare. Juicy and flavorful, they are crafted with lean ground beef, dried cranberries, and an array of savory spices. Paired with a tangy cranberry sauce, these meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish during your Christmas celebrations. Both oven-baked and simmered to perfection, they're sure to become a festive favorite for family and friends during the holiday season.
12
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
2 (beaten)
onion soup mix
1 envelope (1 ounce)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (chopped)
seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs
whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (16 ounces)
beef broth
1/2 cup
brown sugar
3 tablespoons
ketchup
3/4 cup
onions
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
cider vinegar
2 teaspoons
Instructions
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Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
16.67g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cranberry Meatballs?
Festive Cranberry Meatballs are a holiday-themed dish featuring lean ground beef meatballs with dried cranberries inside, served in a tangy cranberry-based sauce.
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the meatballs?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meatballs.
How long should the meatballs bake in the oven?
The meatballs should bake for about 10 minutes or until they are firm and just cooked through.
What size should the meatballs be shaped?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
What ingredients are used to bind the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are bound using two beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs.
Are there cranberries inside the meatballs themselves?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries is mixed directly into the ground beef mixture.
What type of cranberry sauce is used for the glaze?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
What is used to season the meatball mixture?
The meat is seasoned with one envelope of onion soup mix and 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley.
What liquid ingredients are in the cranberry sauce glaze?
The glaze contains 1/2 cup of beef broth, 3/4 cup of ketchup, and 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar.
How do you add sweetness to the sauce?
Sweetness is added to the sauce using 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
After adding the baked meatballs to the sauce, let them simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
Is this dish served as an appetizer or a main course?
These meatballs are versatile and can be served as either a festive appetizer or a main dish.
What should I line my baking sheet with?
It is recommended to line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for the best results.
How many calories are in one serving of Festive Cranberry Meatballs?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16.67 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
Does the recipe call for fresh onions in the sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 3 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Cider vinegar is specified for the tangy flavor in the sauce.
Can I garnish this dish with anything?
Yes, you can garnish the finished meatballs with additional minced fresh parsley.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What holidays are these meatballs recommended for?
They are specifically recommended for Christmas and other holiday celebrations.
Should I mix the meat and other ingredients heavily?
No, you should mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
What type of bread crumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor.
How should the sauce be prepared?
Combine cranberry sauce, broth, sugar, ketchup, onions, and vinegar in a saucepan and stir until it simmers gently.
Are these meatballs savory or sweet?
They offer a blend of both savory spices and a tangy, sweet cranberry glaze.
Do I need to chop the dried cranberries?
Yes, the dried cranberries should be chopped before being added to the meat mixture.
Is beef broth necessary for the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of beef broth is used to create the base of the cranberry sauce.