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–+ servings

Sticky Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs

A delightful dish combining ground beef with a tangy and sweet sauce made from cranberry and chili sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef This is the base of your meatballs, providing a rich and hearty flavor.
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together and add a nice texture.
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese This adds a savory depth and a hint of nuttiness.
  • 1 large egg The egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist and holding them together.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor to the meatballs.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the meat.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper This adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust this to your taste for a little extra kick.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce This is the star of the dish, providing sweetness and a tangy flavor.
  • 0.25 cup chili sauce This adds a spicy kick and balances the sweetness of the cranberry.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Soy sauce brings umami and depth to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar This adds acidity, brightening the flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Honey enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce a sticky texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce This adds complexity and a savory note to the sauce.

Garnish

  • to taste fresh parsley Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Instructions
 

  • Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium heat until well mixed and heated through.
  • Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce and toss until fully coated.

Notes

For a saucier dish, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalProtein: 22gSodium: 600mg
Keyword cranberry, meatballs, spicy
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