Description
These Holiday Meatballs combine savory ground beef with sweet dried cranberries and a tangy cranberry sauce for a festive and delicious appetizer or main dish. Perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, they are quick to prepare and use simple ingredients with an easy microwave cooking method.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
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 cider vinegar
Instructions
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, onion soup mix, seasoned bread crumbs, dried cranberries, and minced fresh parsley. Add the lean ground beef and gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
- Cook the meatballs in the microwave: Place about a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat for the remaining meatballs in batches.
- Prepare the sauce: In a 2-quart microwave-safe dish, stir together the whole-berry cranberry sauce, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, finely chopped onion, and cider vinegar. Cover and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Combine meatballs with sauce: Gently stir the cooked meatballs into the sauce. Cover and microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the meatballs are warmed through and the flavors have melded.
Notes
- Microwaving the meatballs is a quick method but can be substituted with baking or skillet cooking for a crispier exterior.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated with the meatballs just before serving.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor or substitute with dried parsley if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
