Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce

Looking for a festive dish that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays? Look no further than these delightful Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce! Bursting with flavor, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and dressed in a sweet and tangy sauce that adds a special touch to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a cozy dinner, these meatballs will surely impress your friends and family. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing!

What You’ll Need for Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating delicious meatballs. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• Zest of 1 large orange – Adds a bright, citrusy aroma
• 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and gives a light texture
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk – Ensures a moist and tender texture
• 1/4 cup (30 g) finely chopped onion – Adds subtle savory flavor
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the savory element
• 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) jellied cranberry sauce – Provides the classic holiday flavor
• 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce – Adds a smoky, tangy base to the sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish, adds a pop of color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions for Holiday Meatballs

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious meatballs.

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

2. Form the Meatballs
   Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This recipe should yield about 24 meatballs, perfect for feeding a crowd!

3. Bake the Meatballs
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned.

4. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
   While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Stir until melted and well combined, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Coat the Meatballs
   Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan and gently stir to coat them evenly with the cranberry orange sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish
   Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Holiday Meatballs

Serving these meatballs is a chance to get a little creative! You can present them on a festive platter, drizzled with extra sauce, and garnished with parsley. They make excellent appetizers, so consider serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking. Pair these meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh green salad to create a complete meal. For a lovely drink pairing, consider serving them with sparkling cider or a fruity punch.

Expert Tips for Making Holiday Meatballs

• Customize the Flavor: You can switch things up by adding herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Make Them Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat them gently in the sauce before serving for a quick holiday dish.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a flavor twist!

Holiday Meatballs FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I store leftover meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs ahead of time and simply reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

These Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce are not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly simple to make. We’re sure they’ll become a cherished recipe in your holiday cooking tradition. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and enjoy these delightful meatballs with your loved ones!

Print Recipe

Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce

Juicy and tender meatballs in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy dinners.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: comfort food, Cranberry Sauce, Easy Dinner, Festive Recipe, Holiday Meatballs

Servings: 24 meatballs

Calories: 240kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results.
• 1 large orange zest Adds a bright, citrusy aroma.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs and gives a light texture.
• 1/2 cup milk Ensures a moist and tender texture.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion Adds subtle savory flavor.
• 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Boosts the savory element.

For the Sauce

• 1 can jellied cranberry sauce (14 oz or 400 g) Provides the classic holiday flavor.
• 1 cup barbecue sauce Adds a smoky, tangy base to the sauce.

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Instructions

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Forming Meatballs

• Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This recipe should yield about 24 meatballs, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Baking Meatballs

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're cooked through and nicely browned.

Making the Sauce

• While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Stir until melted and well combined, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Coating the Meatballs

• Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan and gently stir to coat them evenly with the cranberry orange sauce.

Serving

• Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

These meatballs can be customized with additional herbs like thyme or parsley. They can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated in the sauce before serving. For added heat, consider including hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the sauce.