German Style Meatballs

German Style Meatballs – Share the world of German-style Meatballs. A dish that will carry your taste buds on a voyage. To the heart of German cuisine. This recipe incorporates the goodness of ground beef or venison. With the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry. And the rich depth of chili sauce. Assembling a unique dish. That is both comforting and exhilarating. Ideal for any course. This dish delivers more than a feast. It furnishes an immersive adventure. Filled with flavors and heritage.

this Recipe

The first time I prepared these German-Style Meatballs was on a chilly evening. When I craved something warm and comforting. The kitchen was infused with the aroma of baking meatballs. Mingling with the tangy fragrance of cranberry sauce. Combining traditional German tastes. With my personal touch. My husband. Always inclined to test my cooking experiments was the first to dig in. With each bite. His smile grew wider. And soon enough our child joined in. Their laughter echoing through the house as they savored every bite. It wasn’t about just dining. It was a juncture sufficed with enjoyment. A family favorite created with love and imagination.

What makes these German Style Meatballs truly special?

Whether you opt for ground beef. Explore the extraordinary savor of ground venison. These meatballs are teeming with flavor. Despite their straightforward elements. And effortless preparation. By using sauerkraut and cranberry sauce. They give a twist to the meatball recipe. Making every morsel a satisfying astonishment.

What You Need To Make This German Style Meatballs Recipe?

Lean Ground Beef or Venison: Whether you opt for the taste of beef or the adventurous flavor of venison. You’re laying down the groundwork for a meal. Ensuring each mouthful is an experience.

Egg: This magical ingredient binds everything together. Transforming elements into a tasty whole. It’s like an embrace that keeps us connected. Uniting the meatballs with care and affection.

Onion Soup Mix: A sprinkle of this mix adds complexity to the meatballs. Filling them with a savory richness. That brings joy to every bite.

Bread Crumbs or Saltine Crackers: The choice between bread crumbs for a texture. Or saltine crackers for some crunch. Introduces an element of surprise. And enjoyment to the mix. 

For the Sauce:

Sauerkraut: Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness. Providing a contrast to the dish. 

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: With its tangy profile. This sauce brings harmony to the flavors. Adding a heartwarming touch to the meatballs. Finding happiness in the combination of flavors. Is like discovering a smile in every bite.

Heinz Chili Sauce: This sauce brings a comforting warmth and a subtle kick. Adding depth to the dish. And joy bubbling beneath the surface.

Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance all elements. Highlighting that life’s memorable moments often come with a touch.

Water: Plain crucial. It harmonizes all the tastes together. Crafting a sauce that’s flavorful and vibrant.

Steps To Make German Style Meatballs:

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Gather all your ingredients. Set the scene in your kitchen for some magic.

Step 2: Mix together the ground meat, egg, onion soup mix. And your choice of breadcrumbs or saltine crackers in a bowl with care. This is where the core of the dish starts to come alive.

Step 3: Using a scoop. Shape your meatballs. And gently place them into a baking pan that has been sprayed. At this stage, they should resemble orbs of promise.

Step 4: Combine sauerkraut, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and water in another bowl. Until it forms a blend of sweetness.

Step 5: Spoon this flavorful sauce over your awaiting meatballs. Enveloping them in what will transform into a glorious glaze during baking.

Step 6: Bake these creations uncovered for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Then let them rest for 15 minutes. Before turning them over. To showcase their glazed exteriors.

Step 7: If you’re bringing these treats to an event. Consider keeping them warm in a slow cooker set on low heat. It’s a manner to outstretch warmth. And enjoyment among friends and family.

Tip:

To give your German Style Meatballs a depth. And a hint of smokiness. Try sprinkling some smoked paprika into the meat mixture. This special ingredient not only brings out a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry and rich chili sauce. But also gives the meatballs a cozy reddish hue. That enriches their charm. Just a sliver of smoked paprika can work phenomena for the dish. Presenting savors that carry the recipe to a further level. Your guests and loved ones will be pleasantly surprised. By this gourmet touch added to an all-time dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

You can try using a kind of ground meat if you desire. I usually go for ground beef or venison. Feel free to experiment with turkey or chicken. For a lighter option.

How can I ensure my meatballs don’t dry out?

To prevent your meatballs from drying out. Make sure to bake them covered in sauce. Also, it’s important not to skip the resting time after baking. As it helps to distribute the juices.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare this recipe in advance. Simply make the meatballs and sauce. Bake them. Let them cool. And then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve. Just reheat them in the oven or a slow cooker.

German Style Meatballs

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Picture yourself snuggled up with a serving of these Meatballs inspired by German cuisine. Where each mouthful offers a comforting medley of flavors. This recipe combines tender meatballs with a tangy sauce. Resulting in a fusion of tastes. That evokes feelings of home. It's a deeply gratifying meal for those nights when you yearn for coziness. And the comforting scents of homemade dishes. Whether it's the shared laughter at the dining table. Or the peaceful satisfaction of enjoying a meal.

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15 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds lean ground beef 80/20 or ground venison works well, too
• 1 large egg
• 1 package onion soup mix
• 1 c bread crumbs or crushed saltine crackers

Cranberry Sauce:

• 16 ounces sauerkraut drained
• 14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
• 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 6 ounces water fill half of an empty Heinz bottle

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat the oven by setting it to 325°F to prepare for baking.
2. Combine the ground beef or venison, egg, onion soup mix and bread crumbs. Crushed saltine crackers in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Shape the mixture into balls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
4. In a bowl. Mix drained sauerkraut cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and water. Until well combined to create the sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish to coat them evenly.
6. Place the dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for 2 hours. To ensure thorough cooking and flavor absorption of the meatballs.
7. Allow the meatballs to rest for 15 minutes after baking before serving.
8. Taking a break like this allows the meatballs to settle and develop flavors.
9. If you'd like to keep the meatballs warm for a longer period. Such as for a party or get-together. You can place them in a slow cooker on a low setting. This method is also ideal for serving them at an event.

Notes

To create these gluten-free German-style meatballs you can easily make a substitution:

Opt for Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: Instead of using regular bread crumbs or saltine crackers. Switch to gluten-free bread crumbs. That you can find in health food stores.

Prepare Your Own Onion Soup Mix: Instead of using packaged mixes that often contain gluten. Mix together dried onion flakes, salt and your preferred gluten-free herbs. Like parsley, thyme and garlic powder. For a flavorful and safe alternative.

Check Your Sauces: Make sure the chili sauce and cranberry sauce are labeled as gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions that are safe to use.

Audrey

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