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Quick Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Quick Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring lean ground pork meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry and tomato sauce. This recipe combines the classic savory flavors of meatballs with a vibrant cranberry sauce, making it a perfect dish for holiday gatherings or any time you want a flavorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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 ease clean-up.
  2. Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the onion, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into approximately 32 medium-sized meatballs. For uniform size and ease, use a small ice cream scoop.
  3. Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until an internal thermometer reads 160℉, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir and cook until the sauce begins to boil.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Reduce heat to low and gently add the baked meatballs into the sauce. Stir carefully to coat and cook until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors meld together.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs for added color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this tangy, savory treat.

Notes

  • For best results, use very lean ground pork to keep the meatballs tender but not greasy.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Homemade cranberry sauce will enhance freshness, but store-bought cranberry sauce works well for convenience.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
  • Using an ice cream scoop helps create uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
  • Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, quick meatballs recipe, holiday appetizers, cranberry sauce meatballs, lean pork meatballs

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/quick-cranberry-meatballs-recipe/