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Christmas Meatballs Recipe

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Here’s a festive recipe for Christmas Meatballs, featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) lean ground beef
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 envelope (about 1 ounce) onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

For the 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 apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Prepare the Meatballs:
    • In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, chopped dried cranberries, and minced parsley.
    • Add the ground beef to the mixture and mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
    • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, yielding approximately 36 meatballs.
  • Cook the Meatballs:
    • Preheat your oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
    • Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
    • Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until browned, then turn them over and broil for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in a microwave: 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. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a large saucepan or microwave-safe dish, combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, finely chopped onion, and apple cider vinegar.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. If using a microwave, cover and heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Combine and Serve:
    • Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly.
    • Simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using a microwave, cover and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
    • Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over mashed potatoes or rice for a main course.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated before serving; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cranberry sauce before adding it to the mixture.

Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/christmas-meatballs-recipe/