Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs: 20-Minute Holiday Magic

Name: Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)

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The holidays are hectic—there’s no arguing that! Between shopping, wrapping gifts, and keeping up with your never-ending to-do list, who has time for elaborate meals? That’s where these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs come in. This simple yet festive dish is a total lifesaver, delivering all the flavors of the season in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute party or just craving something delicious without hours of prep, these cranberry meatballs are the perfect fit.

Ready to wow your family and friends with minimal effort? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Let’s be real: the holidays can be stressful. But these meatballs? Pure joy. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe makes it easy to throw together a crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat. The best part? It’s totally adaptable—whether you’ve got beef or turkey meatballs, you’re good to go. The tangy sweetness of the cranberry sauce paired with the savory meatballs makes this a truly irresistible dish.

Oh, and did I mention they make fantastic appetizers too? Pop a few on toothpicks, and they’ll be gone faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Ingredients for Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

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 work wonderfully!)

Pro Tip: While homemade meatballs are great, frozen ones make this recipe so much faster and more convenient—trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

How To Make Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Sauce
First, grab a large skillet or saucepan. Combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir it all together over medium heat until everything is smooth and the sauce is heated through. This should take about 5 minutes, and it’ll already smell so good.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Once the sauce is looking all velvety and delicious, add in your frozen meatballs. Stir gently to coat each meatball in that sweet and savory sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. The meatballs will heat through, and the sauce will thicken just a little bit.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a little chopped parsley or rosemary. You can serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking, or, if you’re having a party, throw them in the slow cooker on “warm” to keep them hot all night long.

Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs

Don’t rush the sauce! Let it simmer until it thickens slightly. That just means more flavor.
If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of water or a little extra chili sauce to loosen it up. Think of it as extra comfort waiting to happen.
These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. Make them ahead and store in the fridge. They reheat beautifully!

Quick Hack: For an even faster prep time, try using air-fried frozen meatballs. They’ll be crispier, and still, work perfectly with this sauce!

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs in a rich cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. — These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for holiday parties and gatherings!

FAQs about Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs would work beautifully with this sauce. Just make sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the sauce, since you’re only simmering them for a bit.

How can I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers (though let’s be real, they’re so good, they may not last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can prep everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up on the stove or in the slow cooker. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs taste even better the next day—hello, leftovers!

Final Thoughts on Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

There you have it—an easy, delicious recipe that will save you time and stress this holiday season. These Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs bring all the festive flavors to the table with minimal effort. So, whether you’re prepping for a party, feeding a hungry family, or just need a comforting snack, these meatballs will have you covered.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and with recipes like these, you can enjoy all the joy of the season without spending hours in the kitchen. So, go ahead and make these cranberry meatballs—they might just become your new holiday tradition!

Let’s keep the holiday spirit simple, shall we?

More Delicious Holiday Recipes to Try

If you’re loving these Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, why not try a few more tasty dishes to make your holiday season even more special? Here are some great options:

If meatballs are your thing, you’ll definitely want to try our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs. They’re simple to make and always a hit at any party!
Looking for another festive appetizer? Our Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread is just as easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Need a hearty side dish to go with your meatballs? Try our Slow Cooker Stuffing, which is perfect for any holiday dinner.
Want to add a colorful side that’s both delicious and easy? Our Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans are the perfect complement to your festive spread.

With these recipes, your holiday meals will be a breeze—and your guests will be asking for seconds!