Picante Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Spice up your holiday or weeknight with these award-winning Picante Cranberry Meatballs! Marge Wyse's 2003 Country Woman Recipe Contest grand prize winner, these meatballs boast a zesty cranberry sauce that's both sweet and savory. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying main course served over rice or noodles.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 409.6 kcal
Protein 54g
Rating 4.9 (12 Reviews)
Picante Cranberry Meatballs 12

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

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How to Make Picante Cranberry Meatballs

  1. **Make the Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped green chilies, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 large egg, beaten, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Add 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers and gently mix until just combined.
  3. Crumble 1/2 lb ground beef over the mixture and combine well, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Brown the meatballs in a lightly oiled large skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  5. Transfer the browned meatballs to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, combine 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
  7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberry sauce is melted and the mixture is heated through (about 5 minutes).
  8. Pour the cranberry sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
  10. Serve immediately as an appetizer or over your favorite noodles or rice. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

44 g

Sugar

127g

Fat

26g

Carbs

14g