Description
These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect festive appetizer — sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they’re a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 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
- In a large saucepan or slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Serve warm as a party appetizer or over rice for a quick meal.
Notes
- Use turkey meatballs for a leaner option.
- For a spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Can be kept warm in a slow cooker for serving at parties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American