Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat the oven by setting it to 325°F to prepare for baking.

Combine the ground beef or venison, egg, onion soup mix and bread crumbs. Crushed saltine crackers in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.

Shape the mixture into balls. Place them in a greased baking dish.

In a bowl. Mix drained sauerkraut cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and water. Until well combined to create the sauce.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish to coat them evenly.

Place the dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for 2 hours. To ensure thorough cooking and flavor absorption of the meatballs.

Allow the meatballs to rest for 15 minutes after baking before serving.
Taking a break like this allows the meatballs to settle and develop flavors.

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.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours