Description
These Holiday Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for any celebration. Made with lean ground beef, dried cranberries, and a tangy cranberry sauce, they combine sweet and savory elements in a deliciously easy-to-make recipe that cooks quickly in the microwave.
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 just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, shaping them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Cook the meatballs in batches: Place about one-third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with waxed paper and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Repeat this process with the remaining meatballs in two more batches.
- Prepare the sauce: In a 2-quart microwave-safe dish, mix 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 until the sauce is heated, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Gently stir the cooked meatballs into the hot sauce, cover again, and microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the meatballs are warmed through and well coated.
Notes
- Microwaving is used for both cooking the meatballs and heating the sauce, making this recipe quick and convenient.
- Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish lower in fat.
- For a different twist, substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries or raisins.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main meal with rice or mashed potatoes.