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.
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.