Polish Meatballs
Polish Meatballs are savory, tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy cranberry chili sauce, perfect for hearty gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, dry onion soup mix, and eggs together and form into very small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in an oblong baking pan.
- Mix Heinz chili sauce, whole cranberries, brown sugar, sauerkraut, and water, then pour the mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Cover the pan during the first hour of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like parsley or dill to the meatball mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a substitute. Be careful not to overmix the meatballs to keep them tender. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal. Browse more beef recipes for additional ideas.
Serving Suggestions
These Polish meatballs are delicious served over egg noodles or rice, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair them with a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks. For a hearty dinner, serve alongside Don'S Bavarian Pot Roast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave them for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Meatballs contains roughly 563 calories, with 12g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (29% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey may result in a slightly drier texture, so you might want to add an extra egg or a bit more sauce to keep the meatballs moist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Ensure that the chili sauce and onion soup mix are also labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the formed meatballs before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).