Quick Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a savory-sweet appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for the holidays—or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing recipe fast. Juicy meatballs simmered in a tangy cranberry sauce are both festive and flavorful, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner with a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite
• Perfect for holidays, game day, or easy entertaining
• Uses frozen or pre-cooked meatballs for speed
• Just 3–5 simple ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Versatile as an appetizer or main course
• Great for slow cookers or stovetop
• Can be made ahead and reheated easily
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or on toothpicks

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen or fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• Cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• Chili sauce (or barbecue sauce for a milder option)
• Brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional, for depth)

directions

1. In a large saucepan or skillet, combine cranberry sauce and chili sauce over medium heat. Stir until smooth and combined.
2. Add in optional brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce if using. Bring to a low simmer.
3. Add meatballs and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
4. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and sauce is thickened.
5. Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Slow cooker method: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 (as a main dish) or 10–12 (as an appetizer)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Use homemade meatballs if preferred
• Swap cranberry sauce for grape jelly or apricot preserves for a different flavor
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• Stir in orange zest or juice for a citrus twist
• Use cocktail-size meatballs for bite-sized servings
• Top with chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked cranberry meatballs for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes! Fully cooked homemade meatballs work great in this recipe.

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce work—choose based on your texture preference.

Is this dish spicy?

With chili sauce, it’s mildly tangy. Use BBQ sauce for a sweeter version or add hot sauce for more spice.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, these meatballs taste great reheated and are ideal for make-ahead meals or parties.

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?

Absolutely—any fully cooked meatball variety works.

What sides go well with cranberry meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or a green salad make great pairings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe easily doubles for parties or large gatherings.

Can I keep them warm in a slow cooker?

Yes, after cooking, keep on WARM setting during serving.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Are they freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze cooled meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat to serve.

Conclusion

Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a fast and flavorful recipe that hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or over a bed of rice for dinner, these meatballs are incredibly easy and always satisfying. Try them once and they’ll be a new go-to in your recipe rotation.

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