Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This juicy meatball recipe, paired with a homemade cranberry sauce that's both sweet and tart, is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that elevates simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a winner for both adults and kids. Get ready to experience a flavour explosion with every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste, depending on cranberry sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step adds fantastic flavour and a nice sear.
- Simmer (optional): For extra tender meatballs, transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add about a cup of beef broth or water, cover, and simmer on low for 2-3 hours or until cooked through.
Making the Cranberry Sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, water, and orange zest (if using).
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the juicy meatballs with the tangy cranberry sauce. You can also serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. A simple side salad completes this easy and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little heat.
- Cheese please: Stuff a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese into the center of each meatball before browning.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
- Sweet and savory: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to the cranberry sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Make it ahead: Meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry sauce also keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Fat: Approximately 7-9g
This easy meatball recipe with cranberry sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. It’s a fantastic healthy meal option that's both flavorful and satisfying!