• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works beautifully for extra texture)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, whole berry preferred)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade for extra love)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

If you want to switch things up, ground chicken works well too, and if you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño to the mix. I remember Mama Lou’s subtle tweaks to recipes—always listening to what the family craved that day—and that’s the beauty of this dish: it welcomes your personal touch.