Description
Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are an easy and festive holiday appetizer perfect for parties and family gatherings. These tender pre-cooked meatballs are simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce made of jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper for a flavorful treat that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Meatballs
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes smooth and heated thoroughly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Meatballs: Stir the frozen pre-cooked meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet or saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving bowl or a slow cooker set to the warm setting to keep them hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs to save time and ensure even heating.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary before serving.
- To keep meatballs warm during a party, use a slow cooker on the warm setting.
- This recipe works well with either beef or turkey meatballs depending on preference.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to taste if a sweeter or less sweet sauce is preferred.
