Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 cup (240ml) cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined.
  3. Scoop mixture and form into 1-inch (2.5cm) meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  5. While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until heated through and fully combined.
  6. Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet and gently coat with the cranberry sauce. Allow to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Arrange meatballs on a serving platter and serve warm.