Christmas Meat Balls
Juicy meatballs with a sweet and tangy cranberry-chili glaze, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations, appealing to those who enjoy savory and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Simmer until the cranberry sauce is dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and grated onion.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- Bake or cook the meatballs in a skillet until browned and cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the cranberry-chili sauce on the side or poured over.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using seasoned bread crumbs or adding herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Ensure the meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking, similar to those in Island Sweet And Sour Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Meatballs are delicious served with the cranberry-chili sauce drizzled over them. Pair them with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for holiday gatherings, just like the Beef recipes featured in festive menus.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated through to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Meat Balls contains roughly 925 calories, with 17g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2642mg per serving (115% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw. Just thaw and cook when ready to serve.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them over egg noodles, with rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. They also complement holiday-themed dishes beautifully.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, cut one open; it should be no longer pink inside and juices should run clear.
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).