Description
These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, made in minutes using frozen meatballs and a simple homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or easy weeknight dinner, they’re as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients
1 14-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce
1 12-ounce bottle chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
1 2-pound bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through.
2. Add the frozen meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir to coat all the meatballs evenly.
3. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
4. Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in a slow cooker set to low.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
For a homemade touch, use your favorite cooked meatball recipe instead of frozen.
Make it spicier by adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
These meatballs freeze well—perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, party meatballs, quick appetizer