Description
These Holiday Meatballs combine juicy, lean ground beef with festive dried cranberries and a flavorful homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect as a festive appetizer or a delicious party dish, they are quickly prepared and cooked in the microwave for easy weeknight entertaining or holiday gatherings.
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 lightly beaten eggs, onion soup mix, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped dried cranberries, and minced fresh parsley. Add the lean ground beef and mix lightly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs by rolling portions between your palms, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs in the microwave: Place about a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with waxed paper, and microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Repeat this process with the remaining meatballs in batches until all are cooked.
- 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 the dish and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir the sauce evenly.
- Combine meatballs with sauce: Gently stir the cooked meatballs into the hot sauce mixture. Cover and microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the meatballs are warmed through and flavors meld.
Notes
- Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to cook the meatballs and heat the sauce, making this recipe ideal for busy holiday gatherings.
- You may substitute turkey or chicken for lean ground beef if preferred.
- To make ahead, prepare meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and heat just before serving.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style serving at parties.
- For a slightly thicker sauce, simmer the sauce mixture on the stovetop before adding meatballs.