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–+ servings
Christmas Meatballs

Delicious Christmas Meatballs with a Sweet Cranberry Twist

These Christmas Meatballs are savory morsels in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 36 meatballs
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 3 pounds ground beef chuck juicy cut for rich flavor
  • 1 14-ounce can evaporated milk adds moisture
  • ¼ cup dry breadcrumbs acts as binder
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor
  • 1 1-ounce packet onion soup mix infuses flavor
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups ketchup base of sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar adds warmth
  • ½ cup port wine or sweet red wine intensifies sauce richness
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries optional, festive touch

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Slow cooker
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. Combine ground beef, evaporated milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix in a mixing bowl. Mix until well blended and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape mixture into 36 small meatballs.
  3. Broil meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously and heat for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Cooking
  1. Transfer meatballs to a slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
  2. Alternatively, place meatballs back into the saucepan with sauce and cook over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For best texture, mix gently and avoid overmixing. Chill meat mixture for easier shaping and flavor melding. Use fresh cranberries in the sauce towards the end of cooking for texture.

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