Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory and sweet, perfect for parties or family dinners. With a tangy cranberry-chili sauce coating tender meatballs, this dish is both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or substitute the chili sauce with a spicy barbecue sauce.
• Use homemade meatballs for a fresher taste, cooking them before adding to the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro to vary the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs separately and combine them before reheating. This makes for easy entertaining and less last-minute work.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries would need to be cooked down with sugar to create a sauce similar in texture. For simplicity and consistency, jellied cranberry sauce is recommended.

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

These Cranberry Meatballs combine tangy and sweet cranberry sauce with savory chili sauce to create a deliciously easy appetizer or party snack. Pre-cooked meatballs are simmered in the flavorful sauce until warm and ready to serve, making this recipe perfect for holidays and gatherings.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 meatballs, serves 8-10 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Meatballs:

• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it is smooth and heated through, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are completely heated through.
3. Serve: Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving bowl or place them in a slow cooker set to the warm setting to keep them hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary for added color and flavor.

Notes

• You can use either beef or turkey pre-cooked frozen meatballs depending on your preference.
• For a spicier sauce, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker during a party or gathering.
• Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary adds a nice fresh touch and visual appeal.
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, party meatballs, easy meatball recipe, cranberry sauce meatballs, chili sauce meatballs