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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs offer a delightful combination of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with rich flavors, making them a perfect holiday treat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Christmas meatballs, Cranberry Meatballs, easy meatball recipe, Festive Dish, Holiday Appetizer
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce

  • 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce (397 grams)
  • 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce (340 grams)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2 grams)

For the meatballs

  • 32 ounces frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey) (907 grams)
  • Chopped parsley or rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes until smooth and heated through.
  • Stir in the frozen meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce.

Cooking

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
  • Transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeƱos for heat, and consider using alternative sauces like barbecue or teriyaki for variation.