Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, combining tender ground pork meatballs with a tangy, flavorful cranberry BBQ sauce. Ideal as an appetizer or a festive main dish, they bring a delightful twist to classic meatballs with the addition of cranberry sauce and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground pork (or sausage)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion
- 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (or chili sauce for a spicier version)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, chopped parsley, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray in preparation for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce and Simmer: In the same skillet or a separate saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is warmed through. Add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce and gently stir to coat them. Simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to absorb the sauce.
Notes
- Using ground sausage instead of pork adds extra flavor to the meatballs.
- For a spicier sauce, substitute BBQ sauce with chili sauce as suggested.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
- These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker after cooking if preparing ahead.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
