Best Meatballs
Flavorful meatballs with a tangy cranberry and chili sauce glaze, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining, offering savory and sweet notes with a hint of Worcestershire.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix hamburger, chopped onion, salt, pepper, egg, bread crumbs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the meatballs in a glass square pan.
- Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until browned.
- While baking, heat cranberry sauce and chili sauce together.
- Serve the meatballs warm, topped with the sauce mixture, alongside rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Adding grated Parmesan can enhance flavor. To keep meatballs moist, don't overmix the ingredients. Consider incorporating herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over a bed of fluffy rice, making a hearty meal. Pair them with a side of Bacony Creamed Spinach for a comforting dinner. They can also be served as appetizers with toothpicks for parties, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. Don't forget to drizzle the heated sauce mixture generously over the meatballs.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Meatballs contains roughly 1157 calories, with 32g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, they can be frozen raw and cooked later. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if baking from frozen.
What type of meat can I use instead of hamburger?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. Each option will yield a slightly different taste and texture, but they'll all work well in this recipe.
Can I use a different sauce instead of cranberry and chili sauce?
Yes, you can customize the sauce to your liking. Barbecue sauce or a sweet and sour sauce would also complement the meatballs nicely. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite combination!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).