Description
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful and festive holiday appetizer combining juicy pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy, sweet cranberry-chili sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, delivering a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce 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
Meatballs
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- 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 becomes smooth and is heated through, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry meatballs to a serving bowl or keep them warm in a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- No need to thaw the frozen meatballs; they can be added directly to the sauce.
- If using homemade meatballs, pre-cook them before adding to the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- To keep meatballs warm during parties, use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and taste even better the following day.
