If you’re looking for a simple yet show-stopping appetizer that’s bound to impress your guests, this Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with a hint of savory chili sauce and the comforting familiarity of tender meatballs, this dish offers a harmonious dance of flavors that’s as festive as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving a flavorful snack, these meatballs simmer to perfection in your crockpot, making dinner effortless but incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and come together to create a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that make the Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe truly irresistible.
- Frozen meatballs (32 oz.): The hearty base of the dish, pre-cooked to save you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Jellied cranberry sauce (14 oz. can): Adds a smooth, fruity tartness that brightens every bite.
- Chili sauce (12 oz. jar): Brings a touch of spice and depth to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup): Enhances the sauce with rich caramel notes for a luscious glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Add the Meatballs to Your Crockpot
Start by dumping the frozen meatballs straight into your crockpot—no thawing needed! This makes the prep super easy and keeps those tender meatballs ready to soak up all the amazing flavors from the sauce.
Step 2: Combine the Sauces and Sugar
Next, pour in the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the meatballs. These three ingredients create the magical sauce that coats the meatballs, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Give everything a good stir—get the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar all mingling nicely with the meatballs. It’s okay if the cranberry sauce forms little pockets at first; as it heats, it will melt into a glossy, luscious glaze.
Step 4: Cook and Stir Occasionally
Cover and cook the meatballs on low heat. Make sure to stir every 30 minutes to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent sticking. After about 3 hours, the flavors will have melded beautifully and the meatballs will be perfectly heated through.
How to Serve Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top. These add a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the rich sauce flawlessly.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks or soft dinner rolls to help soak up every little bit of that mouthwatering sauce. For a heartier pairing, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles work beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these meatballs in a nice ceramic dish or even in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a cozy touch. You can also offer toothpicks alongside a platter for easy party snacking, turning your Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe into a delightful finger food hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meatballs, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They will stay flavorful and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these meatballs freeze wonderfully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will be good for up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You can also microwave them covered in short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While using frozen premade meatballs keeps things quick, homemade meatballs add a special touch. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot with the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Definitely, this Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe is a crowd-pleaser and fantastic for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where finger foods shine.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to combine ingredients and then pressure cooking on high for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
How sweet is this dish?
The sweetness is balanced by the tangy cranberry sauce and spicy chili sauce, creating a rich, layered flavor that is sweet but never overpowering.
Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
While cranberry sauce is the star here, you could experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry, but expect a different flavor profile. Cranberry sauce brings a unique tartness that’s hard to replicate.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for adding a festive flair to any meal or party without hours of fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and watch how fast these delicious meatballs disappear—they’re truly a celebration of flavor in every bite!
Print
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Ideal for parties or cozy family dinners, this easy crockpot recipe combines frozen meatballs with a festive sauce made from cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar, creating a delicious glaze that coats every bite.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 32 oz. bag premade frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 1 14 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 12 oz. jar chili sauce
- ¾ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot, spreading them out evenly for consistent heating.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar directly over the meatballs.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir gently to mix the sauces and brown sugar with the meatballs, taking care not to break the meatballs.
- Cook and Stir: Cook on low heat, stirring the meatballs every 30 minutes to ensure the sauce is well combined and the meatballs are heated through, usually about 3 hours total.
Notes
- Stirring the meatballs regularly helps to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- This dish can be kept warm for several hours in the crockpot before serving.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or game day parties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
