Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are an easy and festive holiday appetizer combining sweet, tangy cranberry sauce with savory chili sauce and tender pre-cooked meatballs. This simple recipe heats everything together on the stovetop, creating a perfect dish for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen pre-cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fully heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or keep warm in a slow cooker set on the warm setting. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to save time and simplify preparation.
- This dish can be kept warm in a slow cooker for easy serving during parties.
- For a spicier option, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add color and freshness.
- Can be made with beef or turkey meatballs depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, party dish, easy meatballs, festive appetizer
