merry meatballs with cranberry dipping sauce

This is the perfect recipe for a holiday appetizer or a tailgating snack.

  •    Makes 24 Meatballs

Meatball

  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 1 cup seasoned stuffing mix
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cranberry Sauce

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2-1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • Salt

Instructions

  1.  Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.  Shape into twenty-four 1-1/2-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 13 to 15 minutes until 160°F. 
  2.  Meanwhile, prepare Cranberry Barbecue Sauce. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until cranberries burst and mixture has reduced to thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender container. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired.
  3. Serve meatballs with barbecue sauce.  

Test Kitchen Tips Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

Mini Merry Meatballs