Quick Cranberry Meatballs
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings. These delightful meatballs blend the savory richness of lean ground beef with the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. They’re easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or vibrant holiday parties. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family and friends during this special season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1 ½ pounds very lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (like panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or packaged)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients until well mixed.
- Form small meatballs (about one inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While baking, whisk together sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until combined and simmering.
- Toss baked meatballs in warm sauce and serve on a platter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg