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To make quick cranberry meatballs, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1 cup canned cranberry sauce - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing These ingredients create a perfect blend of flavors. Ground turkey or beef serves as the base. I love using fresh cranberries, but canned sauce works too. Breadcrumbs add texture, while onion and parsley give freshness. The egg acts as a binder, keeping everything together. Soy and hoisin sauces add depth and sweetness. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the taste. Finally, olive oil helps achieve a nice golden color when frying the meatballs. Having everything ready before you start makes cooking easier. This way, you can focus on mixing and cooking without rushing. Enjoy the process, and feel free to get creative with the ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the meatballs cook evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It makes cleanup easy. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, egg, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to blend these well. 4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the baking sheet with space between each one. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 2. When the oil is hot, add meatballs in small batches. Sear them for 5-6 minutes, turning often, until they are brown all over. 3. For the cranberry sauce, if you use fresh cranberries, combine them with a splash of water in a small pot. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they burst. If you prefer canned, just warm it on low heat for a few minutes, stirring now and then. 1. Once the meatballs are brown, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). 2. After baking, take the meatballs out of the oven. Pour the cranberry sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. This helps mix the flavors and gives a nice glaze. 3. Serve the meatballs warm. You can sprinkle more chopped parsley on top for a fresh look. Enjoy! To get the best texture, you need to control moisture. Adding breadcrumbs helps absorb excess liquid. Start with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. If your mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time. This will help form meatballs that hold together well. Cooking meatballs evenly is key to a great dish. Make sure they are all the same size, about 1 inch in diameter. This way, they cook at the same rate. If you crowd them in the pan, they will steam instead of brown. Cook in small batches for best results. Seasoning can elevate your meatballs. Besides salt and pepper, consider adding spices like paprika or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can also add a nice touch. Add-ins are a fun way to boost flavor. You can mix in grated cheese, chopped bell peppers, or even finely diced mushrooms. These ingredients add depth and make each bite exciting. For serving, arrange meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle cranberry sauce over them for a bright look. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. Garnishing adds a pop of color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes the dish vibrant. You can even add a few whole cranberries for a festive touch. This makes your meatballs not just tasty, but also beautiful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries for Bold Flavor: Fresh cranberries will provide a tartness that complements the meatballs beautifully. If using canned, opt for a low-sugar option to maintain balance. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the meatballs before baking adds a rich depth of flavor and a delightful texture, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Make Ahead for Convenience: You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, and simply bake when you're ready to serve. Experiment with Sauces: While cranberry sauce is a classic pairing, feel free to try different sauces like BBQ or a sweet chili glaze to give the meatballs a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can switch ground turkey for beef. Both work well in this recipe. If you prefer turkey, it is leaner. Beef adds a richer flavor. You can also change the sauces. Try teriyaki sauce instead of hoisin for a sweet twist. If you want a kick, add chili sauce. Fresh herbs can also change the taste. Use cilantro or basil instead of parsley for a fresh spin. These meatballs can fit many cuisines. For a Mediterranean touch, add oregano and serve with tzatziki. If you want an Asian flair, mix in sesame oil and serve over rice. You can make meatball sliders too. Just place them in small buns and add some sauce. Serve them as appetizers on toothpicks for easy eating. They are perfect for any party or gathering. If you have leftover meatballs, get creative. You can add them to pasta dishes or salads. They also work well in sandwiches. For breakfast, chop them up and mix with eggs. A meatball soup can be a warm, comforting dish. Just add broth and veggies. The options are endless, making these meatballs a great choice for meal prep. To keep your quick cranberry meatballs fresh, follow these tips: - Use airtight containers: Store leftover meatballs in airtight containers. This helps keep them moist. - Refrigeration: Place them in the fridge. They stay good for about 3-4 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. They last up to 3 months. - Label containers: Write the date on each container. This helps you know when to use them. When it's time to enjoy your meatballs again, here’s how to reheat them: - Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then add the meatballs. Cover and heat for 5-10 minutes. - Microwave method: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes. To keep moisture, always cover your meatballs while reheating. This keeps them juicy and tender. Quick cranberry meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first before cooking. This helps them break down and create a nice sauce. Cranberry meatballs pair well with several sides. You can serve them with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer with toothpicks. Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake the meatballs and heat the sauce. Yes, you can use different meats. Ground chicken or pork works well too. Each type will give a unique flavor to your meatballs. This blog post covered how to make delicious cranberry meatballs. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting flavor and texture. Variations and serving ideas help you get creative with this dish. Remember, you can use leftovers in fun ways and store them properly for later. Enjoy making these tasty meatballs, and feel free to experiment with different flavors. Your kitchen will be full of delightful aromas, making meals both easy and enjoyable.

Cranberry Zing Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground turkey or beef, combined with fresh cranberries and savory sauces, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries or canned cranberry sauce
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef with the breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, parsley, egg, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in small batches and sear for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
  • If using fresh cranberries, combine them with a splash of water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until they burst. If using canned cranberry sauce, warm it in a pot over low heat.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C)).
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the prepared cranberry sauce over them. Allow to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional finely chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks for easy eating and garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
Keyword beef, cranberries, meatballs, turkey