Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
These festive Christmas Meatballs combine lean ground beef with dried cranberries and a flavorful onion soup mix, all bathed in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Quick and easy to prepare using the microwave, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1–1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
Sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, onion soup mix, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped dried cranberries, and minced fresh parsley. Add the lean ground beef and mix lightly but thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Microwave Meatballs: Place a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with waxed paper, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. Repeat this process with the remaining meatballs in two more batches.
- Prepare Sauce: In a 2-quart microwave-safe dish, combine the whole-berry cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, finely chopped onion, and cider vinegar. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Gently stir the cooked meatballs into the hot sauce, cover, and microwave on high for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for healthier meatballs without sacrificing flavor.
- Microwave times may vary based on wattage; adjust accordingly to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
- For a thicker sauce, extend the initial microwaving time or simmer on stovetop if preferred.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizer presentation at holiday gatherings.
Keywords: Christmas meatballs, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce meatballs, quick party meatballs, microwave meatballs
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/christmas-cranberry-meatballs-recipe/
