Description

These Quick Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer or easy dinner idea! Made with frozen meatballs and a simple 3-ingredient cranberry sauce, they’re sweet, tangy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 20 minutes on the stovetop or even faster in the microwave!

Ingredients

1 (26 oz) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
1 (14 oz) can jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce
3/4 cup chili sauce (like Heinz)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onion

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until smooth and heated through.
Add Meatballs:
Add frozen meatballs to the pan and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and sauce is thick and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish.

Notes

Use whole berry cranberry sauce for more texture, or jellied for a smoother sauce.
Make in the slow cooker by combining everything and cooking on LOW for 3–4 hours.
Great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping!