Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
2 large eggs
1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried thyme
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. canned cranberry sauce
1 c. barbecue sauce
1/2 c. Crown Royal whiskey
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. brown sugar
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Preparation
Step 1Make meatballs: Preheat oven to 350º and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir together ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.Step 2Form 16 meatballs, about 1" to 2" in diameter. Place in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Flip meatballs and bake 10 minutes more, until golden.Step 3Meanwhile, make sauce: in a large skillet over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Crown Royal, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and season with red pepper flakes and salt. Let cook until thickened slightly, 3 to 4 minutes.Step 4Add meatballs to skillet. Cook, basting with the sauce, until sauce is thickened and coating meatballs. Serve with cocktail toothpicks.
