Imagine a dish that perfectly marries the sweetness of cranberries with the heartiness of savory meatballs—welcome to your new favorite comfort food! Our Cranberry Meatballs, made effortlessly in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 18-24 meatballs depending on size.
- Prepare your slow cooker or pressure cooker by lightly spraying the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce until smooth and well blended.
- Place the formed meatballs carefully into the slow cooker or pressure cooker, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the cranberry-barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is coated.
- For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours. For pressure cooker: Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then allow natural release.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated with sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- Mixing Technique: When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender. A gentle but thorough hand mix is ideal.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to ensure that all meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly and ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with the sauce! Adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your dish an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a sub roll for a delightful meatball sandwich. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld even more.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal later on!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
