These juicy beef meatballs are packed with flavor from garlic, panko breadcrumbs and sweet Vidalia onion paste. Pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a tangy cranberry glaze, they’re the perfect centerpiece for a comforting dinner.
Serve them over creamy sour cream mashed potatoes alongside tender roasted carrots for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in about 45 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim, peel and cut carrots on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and tender, 20-25 minutes.
- While carrots roast, dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Place in a medium pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Reserve ½ cup potato cooking liquid (¾ cup for 4 servings), then drain. Return potatoes to pot and mash with sour cream and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4) until smooth and creamy, adding splashes of reserved potato cooking liquid as needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, gently combine beef, panko, garlic powder, Vidalia onion paste and ½ tsp salt (1 tsp for 4 servings). Form into 10-12 1½-inch meatballs (20-24 meatballs for 4).
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and mostly cooked through, 4-6 minutes. TIP: If there’s excess grease in your pan, carefully pour it out.
- While meatballs cook, in a small bowl, whisk together jam, stock concentrate and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4 servings). Pour jam mixture into pan with meatballs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until meatballs are coated and cooked through, 5 minutes. TIP: If glaze seems too thick, add a splash of water.
- Divide mashed potatoes, carrots and meatballs between plates. Spoon any remaining sauce from pan over meatballs and mashed potatoes. Serve.
Recipe Tips
For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use a potato masher or ricer and avoid over-mixing.
If you don’t have Vidalia onion paste, you can substitute with finely grated sweet onion.
To make the meatballs extra tender, handle the mixture gently and don’t overwork the meat.
The cranberry glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen pre-cooked meatballs. Just brown them in the pan as directed, then proceed with the glaze. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for cranberry jam?
You can use whole berry cranberry sauce or even raspberry jam for a similar sweet-tart flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream or skip it. The mashed potatoes will still be creamy with enough liquid.



























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