Name: Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup tomato ketchup; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 small onion (grated or finely diced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for a lighter texture); 3 tbsp packed brown sugar; 2 cups cranberry sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 cup tomato ketchup (Heinz recommended)

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Introduction

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining savory pork meatballs with a tangy cranberry sauce, this recipe is both easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with round meatballs covered in a shiny, thick red sauce. Each meatball is fully coated with the sauce that looks smooth and rich, with small green herb leaves scattered on top for garnish. A silver spoon lifts one meatball from the bowl, with sauce dripping slightly down its sides. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep the focus on the bowl and its contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1/3 cup tomato ketchup
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
3 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 cups cranberry sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 cup tomato ketchup (such as Heinz)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, ketchup, black pepper, onion, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground pork, and breadcrumbs until fully combined. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs. Using a small ice cream scoop can help form uniform meatballs.
Step 3: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉, indicating they are fully cooked.
Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and ketchup in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce the heat and gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Garnish the finished meatballs with extra chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use Panko breadcrumbs for lighter, fluffier meatballs. Regular breadcrumbs can also be used but may result in a denser texture.
For a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or substitute lemon juice with lime juice.
If you prefer beef or turkey, they can be used instead of pork for the meatballs.
Make the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat with the meatballs before serving to deepen the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with round meatballs covered in a thick, shiny deep red sauce, garnished with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The meatballs sit closely together, partly submerged in the rich sauce that has a smooth, glossy texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a soft, white cloth next to it. In the blurred background, there are red Christmas ornaments and green pine branches, adding a festive touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute regular or Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free as well.