Cranberry Beef Balls
Cranberry Beef Balls combine savory ground beef with tart cranberry sauce, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 2 slices bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk or tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or steak sauce ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour milk or tomato juice over bread cubes and let soak.
- Mix in ground beef, minced onion, tomato paste, Worcestershire or steak sauce, beaten eggs, minced parsley, bay leaf, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 12 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine. Drain off excess fat.
- Whip cranberry sauce and vinegar with a fork until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the browned meatballs.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or in the center of a rice or noodle ring.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. If you don't have tomato juice, using vegetable broth can add moisture without compromising flavor. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Be sure to form uniform meatballs for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry beef balls are delicious served over rice or noodles, making for a comforting meal. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced dish. For a festive touch, pair them with a salad featuring dried cranberries. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer at a gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cranberry beef balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or a stovetop; add a splash of water to prevent dryness. For optimal flavor, gently reheat on low heat to maintain the meatballs' tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Beef Balls contains roughly 653 calories, with 45g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (99% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1694mg per serving (74% 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 freeze the cranberry beef balls?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked cranberry beef balls. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute, adding a similar umami flavor. You can also mix a bit of balsamic vinegar with soy sauce to mimic the depth of flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste in the meat mixture.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils. Ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, and consider using vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for soaking the bread. This way, you can still enjoy a flavorful dish.
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).