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Cranberry Balsamic Meatballs Recipe Perfect for Holidays

cranberry balsamic meatballs - featured image

Succulent meatballs coated in a tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet cranberry sauce glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings as an appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing.
  2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, making approximately 20 meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, whisk together cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly.
  5. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss them gently in the glaze. Lower the heat and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the meatballs are fully coated and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160Β°F.
  6. Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze over them. Serve warm.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to avoid dense texture.’, ‘Use a nonstick skillet for easier cleanup.’, ‘Make ahead: Form meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate.’, ‘Double the glaze for extra sauce.’, ‘Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar for a tangier glaze.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, balsamic glaze, festive recipe, easy meatballs