Christmas Eve is such a special time. The house is filled with excitement, the lights are twinkling, and there is a feeling of pure joy in the air. But let’s be honest, it can also be a little bit hectic.
Finding a meal that feels special but does not keep you in the kitchen for hours is key. That is where these amazing cranberry chili meatballs come in. They are one of the most delicious and Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas you will find.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly simple to put together. You do not need any fancy cooking skills to make these meatballs. It is a straightforward process that delivers amazing results every single time.
The flavor is truly something else. You get a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy from the cranberry and chili sauce. It is a savory dish with a festive twist that everyone will adore. It is one of those Christmas Eve Recipes that becomes a tradition.
Another great thing is how versatile this dish is. You can serve the meatballs as a main course over a bed of fluffy rice or with creamy mashed potatoes. They are also fantastic as an appetizer. Just stick some toothpicks in them and you have one of the best Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas Appetizers around.
They look beautiful on a serving platter too. The sauce gives them a rich, glossy red finish that just screams holiday feast. It is an impressive dish that requires minimal effort. What is not to love about that?
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these meatballs is simple and uses many items you might already have on hand. Here is what you will need to create one of our favorite Easy Christmas Meals.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 large egg
- 1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Following these simple steps will give you delicious meatballs that are sure to be a hit. This is one of the most straightforward Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas you can make.
Step 1: Get Ready To Cook
First things first, let’s get everything in order. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. While that is heating up, go ahead and gather all of your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother.
Step 2: Mix And Form The Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, water, and the egg. Use your hands to mix everything together until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Once mixed, roll the mixture into small, bite sized meatballs. Try to make them all a similar size so they cook evenly. Arrange them on a nonstick baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 3: Bake The Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Let the meatballs bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, you will want to turn them once to ensure they brown nicely on all sides.
Step 4: Prepare The Cranberry Chili Sauce
While the meatballs are in the oven, you can get started on the delicious sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything together over low heat.
Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderfully festive at this point. This sauce is the heart of so many great Christmas Eve Recipes.
Step 5: Simmer And Serve
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the meatballs completely. Let them simmer in the sauce for at least one hour.
This simmering time is what allows the meatballs to absorb all that amazing flavor. After an hour, they are ready to serve. Enjoy one of the best Easy Christmas Meals you will ever make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which might be unlikely, storing them is very easy. Simply let the meatballs and sauce cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors are often even better the next day.
These meatballs also freeze very well. Place them in a freezer safe container or bag and they will last for up to three months. It is a great way to have a quick meal on hand for later.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few tips to help you out. These little tricks can make your cooking experience for Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas even more enjoyable.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare both the meatballs and the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready, just bake the meatballs and heat up the sauce to simmer.
- Slow Cooker Option: For easy serving at a party, transfer the baked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker. Set it on low to keep them warm. This is perfect for Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas Appetizers.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are so versatile. Serve them over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a main dish. Or, serve them with toothpicks as a crowd pleasing appetizer.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Conclusion
When it comes to the holidays, simple is often best. This recipe is a wonderful example of how you can create a memorable and delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It truly is one of the best Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
The sweet and tangy flavors are festive, and the dish is hearty enough for a main course but also works as a fantastic appetizer. I hope you and your family enjoy these cranberry chili meatballs as much as we do. It is one of those Christmas Eve Recipes that brings everyone together.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs?
Yes, you absolutely can use precooked frozen meatballs to save time. Just skip the baking step and add them directly to the simmering sauce. Make sure they are heated through completely, which might take a little longer.
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with so many things. For a full meal, serve them with rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. A side of roasted green beans or a simple salad would also be lovely. This is one of the most adaptable Easy Christmas Meals.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As the recipe is written, it is not gluten free because of the bread crumbs. However, you can easily make it gluten free by using your favorite gluten free bread crumbs. Just substitute them one for one.
How Many People Does This Recipe Serve?
This recipe will serve about four people as a main course. If you are serving it as an appetizer, it should be enough for about six to eight people, depending on what else you are offering.
Cranberry Chili Meatballs
These cranberry chili meatballs are one of the most delicious and easy Christmas Eve dinner ideas. They offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect as a festive main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, water, and egg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs of similar size for even cooking. Arrange them on a nonstick baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them once halfway through to ensure even browning.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Once the meatballs are baked, carefully add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir gently to coat them completely. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least one hour, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead Magic: Prepare both the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. When ready, bake the meatballs and heat up the sauce to simmer.
Slow Cooker Option: For easy party serving, transfer baked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and set on low to keep warm.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a main dish. For an appetizer, serve with toothpicks.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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