Print

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 451 reviews

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are a delightfully festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Juicy pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy, rich cranberry and chili sauce with hints of brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, these sweet-savory meatballs bring holiday cheer with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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. Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch before serving.

Notes

  • No need to thaw the frozen meatballs; add them straight into the sauce.
  • For homemade meatballs, pre-cook by baking or pan-frying before adding to the sauce.
  • Enhance flavor by adding Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
  • Use a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting to keep meatballs hot during parties.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.
  • Use quality frozen meatballs for best results.

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizers, quick meatball recipe, festive appetizers, cranberry chili sauce meatballs

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/quick-christmas-cranberry-meatballs-recipe/