These delightful meatballs are perfect for festive gatherings or cosy dinners. The combination of zesty orange and sweet cranberry sauce elevates these tasty bites to something truly special. Everyone will love how tender and juicy they are, paired with a tangy sauce that adds a burst of flavour. Perfect for dipping or as part of a larger spread, these meatballs might just become a holiday tradition!
Gather Your Holiday Meatballs Ingredients
To whip up these scrumptious meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (30 g) finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Holiday Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to create your festive meatballs:
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together until just combined—don’t overmix!
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Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden brown.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and well combined.
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Coat and Serve: Once the meatballs are out of the oven, coat them generously in the warm sauce. Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
The Best Way to Serve It
These holiday meatballs are best served warm! You can arrange them on a large platter, drizzled with extra sauce for added flair. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings, or serve them up with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a comforting meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also complements the hearty meatballs beautifully.
For a festive touch, consider serving them in small bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra parsley. This makes for a lovely addition to your holiday table.
Expert Tips for Holiday Meatballs
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Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
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Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with the flavours of your meatballs! You can add ingredients like grated cheese, different herbs, or spices like paprika for a kick.
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Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Prepare them ahead of time, shape, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Holiday Meatballs FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats can cook faster.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme, or even some grated cheese for added flavour.
Q: How can I make these meatballs spicier?
A: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick!
These Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Orange Sauce are bound to impress your guests and become a hit at any festive gathering. Give them a try and enjoy the wonderful flavours that come together in this delightful dish!