Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Just be sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I grill the skewers instead of baking them?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the cranberry barbecue sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before assembling to prevent burning during cooking.

Holiday Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Name: Holiday Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean); 1 cup grated fresh zucchini; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 red bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 green bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce; 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Description

These festive mini beef meatball skewers are baked to juicy perfection with bell peppers and onions, then drizzled with a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue sauce—ideal for holiday entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)

1 cup grated fresh zucchini

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 red bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 green bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce

3 tablespoons barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, zucchini, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.

3. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs.

4. Thread meatballs, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto twelve 6-inch skewers.

5. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until meatballs reach 160°F internally.

7. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.

8. Drizzle sauce over baked skewers or serve as a dip.

Notes

Make ahead by prepping skewers the night before.

Freeze cooked meatballs separately for up to 3 months.

Use smoky BBQ sauce for bold flavor contrast.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 skewers
Calories: 130
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg