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Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Delightful meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Add for color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or roasting pan lined with cooking spray or oil.
Baking
  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Saucing
  1. In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce, heating over low until warmed through.
  2. Once the meatballs are done baking, pour the sauce over them, gently stirring to coat.
Serving
  1. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Meatballs can be served hot or warm. They make great appetizers or can be served as a main dish with sides like rice or mashed potatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.