Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs combine savory meat with a vibrant cranberry glaze that has just the right kick. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners, these meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground sausage
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of your choice)
• 1 cup tomato juice (V8 works also)
• 4 slices bread (crumbled)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
• 1-2 jalapeños (minced)
• 1½ pints cranberry sauce (homemade if you have it)
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
• ½ cup light brown sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375℉.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, avocado oil, tomato juice, crumbled bread, sea salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, minced jalapeños, and beaten eggs. Mix well and form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until nicely browned.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and light brown sugar until combined.
5. Step 5: Place the browned meatballs in a 9×13 casserole dish and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes at 375℉ until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Alternative method: You can also cook the meatballs in a crockpot or slow cooker for 1-2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 160℉.
8. Step 7: Serve warm on their own or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your heat preference; remove seeds for milder flavor.
• Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher, less sweet option.
• Swap ground sausage for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• For extra moisture, add a splash of tomato juice to the meat mixture while forming meatballs.

Storage

Allow meatballs to cool until no longer steaming, then store in an airtight container with enough cranberry sauce to keep them moist. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or warm in the oven until hot throughout.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and brown the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them. When ready, place them in the sauce and bake as instructed.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful cranberry sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs Recipe

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Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs combine savory beef and sausage with a vibrant cranberry jalapeño sauce. These meatballs are browned in a skillet and baked in the oven for a perfect balance of flavors with a sweet heat, making them a wonderful party appetizer or a flavorful main dish served over mashed potatoes.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground sausage
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of your choice)
• 1 cup tomato juice (V8 works also)
• 4 slices bread (crumbled)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1–2 jalapeños (minced)
• 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)

Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce

• 1½ pints cranberry sauce (homemade if you have it)
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
• ½ cup light brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375℉ to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the meatballs.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, avocado oil, tomato juice, crumbled bread, sea salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, minced jalapeños, and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly, then shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich golden crust, enhancing their flavor and texture.
4. Prepare Cranberry Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, fresh lemon juice, and light brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well mixed to create the sweet and spicy glaze.
5. Arrange Meatballs in Casserole: Place the browned meatballs in a 9×13 casserole dish and pour the cranberry sauce evenly over them, making sure each meatball is well coated.
6. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs uncovered in the preheated 375℉ oven for 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meatballs to cook through fully.
7. Alternative Slow Cooker Method: For a hands-off approach, place meatballs and sauce in a crockpot or slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160℉.
8. Serve: Serve warm either as an appetizer or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Notes

• Make sure to brown the meatballs thoroughly to seal in juices and add flavor before baking.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your preference for heat.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container with cranberry sauce to keep them moist.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven until hot throughout.
• You can substitute ground sausage with all beef or turkey for a different flavor or lower fat content.

Keywords: cranberry jalapeño meatballs, sweet and spicy meatballs, holiday appetizers, baked meatballs, savory meatballs with cranberry sauce