Description
Succulent cranberry-orange glazed meatballs combine tangy citrus with rich, savory flavors in a festive holiday dish. Guests will savor the delightful balance of sweet and zesty notes that make this recipe an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 large orange zest
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a delicate grease coating.
- Mixing: Combine ground beef, orange zest, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a substantial mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly.
- Forming: Craft uniform meatballs using hands or a precise scoop, arranging them strategically across the baking sheet to ensure optimal heat distribution and consistent cooking.
- Roasting and Glazing: Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden-brown and fully cooked, then simultaneously create the cranberry-orange glaze by melting jellied cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until transforming into a velvety, harmonious sauce.
- Finishing: Liberally coat the roasted meatballs in the glossy cranberry-orange glaze, ensuring each morsel is entirely enrobed, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Meat Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients gently to prevent tough meatballs, using light hand movements to keep the mixture tender and prevent overworking.
- Meatball Sizing Precision: Use a consistent scoop or measurement tool to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
- Glaze Coating Strategy: Warm glaze slightly before coating meatballs to help sauce adhere better and create a more even, glossy finish.
- Temperature Control Tip: Let meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to retain moisture and prevent crumbling during the glazing process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 725 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg