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!

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)

Description

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer that combines savory meatballs with a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a hit at any holiday gathering!

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)

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Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through (about 5 minutes).
Add the Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch. Serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking or place them in a slow cooker on “warm” to keep them hot for parties.

Notes

You can substitute homemade meatballs for the frozen variety if preferred, but the frozen ones save time and work great for this recipe.
For a thinner sauce, add a little more chili sauce or a splash of water.
These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for later use.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 meatball (approx.)
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg