Description
Introducing the Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs, a recipe that blends the zestiness of orange with the tart sweetness of cranberries to create a festive dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. This delightful combination of flavors sets these meatballs apart from your typical fare, making them a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart adequately for even cooking.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and slightly browned on the outside.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry-orange sauce. Gently stir to ensure each meatball is coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the glazed meatballs for up to 3 months. Ensure they are cooled down to room temperature before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, place meatballs in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them at medium power, checking every 30 seconds until they are hot.
Conclusion
The Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs recipe presents a fantastic way to give a festive twist to the traditional meatball dish. With its sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe not only promises delightful flavors but also serves as a visually appealing addition to any dining table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a formal dinner, or just a special family meal, these meatballs will surely be a memorable centerpiece.
Print
Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Introducing the Cranberry-Orange Glazed Meatballs, a recipe that blends the zestiness of orange with the tart sweetness of cranberries to create a festive dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. This delightful combination of flavors sets these meatballs apart from your typical fare, making them a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 2: Form the Meatballs Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart adequately for even cooking.
- Step 3: Bake the Meatballs Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and slightly browned on the outside.
- Step 4: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Coat the Meatballs Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the cranberry-orange sauce. Gently stir to ensure each meatball is coated in the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes