Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for Festive Gatherings Recipe
Quick and festive Christmas Cranberry Meatballs perfect for holiday gatherings, combining sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with tender pre-cooked meatballs simmered in a flavorful chili glaze.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Stir in the frozen pre-cooked meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the cranberry chili sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fully heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the warm cranberry meatballs into a serving bowl or a slow cooker set to the warm setting for easy serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey) for a quick and easy preparation.
- Simmering the meatballs covered helps them absorb the sauce flavor and stay moist.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs adds color and aroma to the dish.
- This recipe can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties and buffets.
Keywords: Christmas meatballs, cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, quick meatballs, festive party food, cranberry chili sauce, pre-cooked meatballs recipe
