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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cranberry sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Fresh parsley for garnish To make these cranberry glazed meatballs, you need a few key ingredients. Ground beef forms the base, giving the meatballs their hearty texture. I like to add breadcrumbs for binding and to keep them moist. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor kick, while chopped onion gives extra sweetness. For flavor, I use minced garlic and dried thyme, which makes the meatballs sing. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! They help enhance all the tastes. The star of this dish is the cranberry glaze. A cup of cranberry sauce adds sweetness and tartness. I mix in soy sauce for a savory touch, apple cider vinegar for tang, and honey for richness. Fresh parsley at the end brings a pop of color and freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a dish that will impress everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Turn your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy clean-up. - Mix ground beef with other meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix; this keeps them tender. - Form meatballs to achieve optimal size: Use your hands to form the mixture into balls about 1 inch wide. Place them evenly on the baking sheet. This size cooks well and is perfect for serving. - Properly place meatballs on the baking sheet: Make sure to leave some space between each meatball. This helps them brown nicely. - Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes: Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and browned. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 160°F. - Combine glaze ingredients in a saucepan: While the meatballs bake, take a small saucepan. Add cranberry sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. - Heat through until well mixed: Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir often until everything is hot and blended well. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your meatballs. For great meatballs, start with the right mix. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and cheese gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Form your meatballs to be about one inch wide. This size cooks evenly. Place them on a lined baking sheet to avoid sticking. To keep them juicy, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Check for a nice brown color. If you worry about dryness, add a splash of broth to the baking sheet. This helps steam them while cooking. You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Homemade often tastes fresher, but store-bought saves time. To elevate the glaze, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. A little orange zest can brighten the flavor too. Mix in some chopped green onions or crushed red pepper for a kick. You can also try using different types of vinegar, like balsamic, for a unique twist. Serve your meatballs on a festive platter. Drizzle extra glaze on top for a shiny look. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes them more inviting. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at parties. For a complete meal, serve with rice or a salad. You can also add some roasted vegetables on the side for balance. Pro Tips Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meatball mixture for a personalized flavor twist. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat with the glaze just before serving. Use Fresh Cranberries: If you have fresh cranberries, consider making your own cranberry sauce for a fresher, more vibrant glaze. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. This change lowers the fat content and keeps the meatballs moist. If you want a meat-free option, use lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them and mix them with the other ingredients. This way, you still get delicious meatballs without meat. To make your meatballs unique, add spices or herbs. You can mix in cumin for a warm flavor or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh taste. Each spice brings its own twist, making your dish fun to try. If you want a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Just mix the meatball ingredients, form them, and place them in the slow cooker with the glaze. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For a smoky flavor, you can grill the meatballs. Just form them and cook them on a hot grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often. This gives you a lovely char and a different taste experience. To store your meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. For freezing, wrap the meatballs tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When reheating, you can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat for about two minutes. If you prefer the oven, set it to 350°F and bake for 15 minutes. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. In the fridge, cranberry glazed meatballs last about four days. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them by. If you want to prepare in advance, make the meatballs and glaze on the weekend. Store each in separate containers. On busy weeknights, just reheat and serve. One easy method is to use a microwave-safe dish. You can heat the meatballs covered with a damp paper towel. This keeps them soft. Or, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of glaze to bring back the flavor. Yes, you can make cranberry glazed meatballs ahead of time. To do this, prepare the meatballs and glaze as usual. Once cooked, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm them in the oven or microwave before serving. Cranberry glazed meatballs pair well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White or brown rice works well to soak up the glaze. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the sweet glaze. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness to the meal. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of glaze. Check the meatballs using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The meatballs should be browned on the outside. - The juices should run clear when pierced. - Cut one open to check if it is no longer pink inside. These methods ensure your meatballs are cooked and safe to eat. You learned how to make tasty cranberry glazed meatballs from scratch. We went over the ingredients, baking steps, and perfecting the glaze. I shared tips to enhance flavor and storage methods for leftovers. Remember, you can swap ingredients or change flavors for fun twists. Keep these ideas in mind for quick meals or special gatherings. Simple steps lead to great meals, so enjoy your cooking journey.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for parties or family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
  • While meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir until heated through and well mixed (about 5 minutes).
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cranberry glaze over the meatballs and gently toss until they are well-coated.
  • Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a festive platter, drizzled with extra glaze and garnished with fresh parsley. Pair them with toothpicks for easy serving at parties!
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, meatballs, party food