Christmas Meatballs

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

about 3 dozen

Updated: Dec. 16, 2023
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • SAUCE:
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls.
  2. Place a third of the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with waxed paper; microwave on high until cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat twice with remaining meatballs.
  3. In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, mix sauce ingredients. Microwave, covered, on high until heated through, 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway. Gently stir in meatballs. Microwave, covered, on high until heated through, 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.