Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Meatballs

Sweet & Savory: The combination of cranberry and chili sauce creates an irresistible taste sensation. This perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors is simply addictive.

Holiday-Friendly Presentation: Adorned with fresh parsley or green onions, these meatballs make a striking addition to any holiday table, enhancing your buffet spread with their festive appearance.

Set & Forget: With the convenience of frozen meatballs and a slow cooker, you can prepare these delicious bites with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• Frozen, Fully Cooked Meatballs: Go for pre-made meatballs to save time—they’re tasty and maintain their shape while cooking.
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: This provides the distinctive sweet-tart flavor that defines the dish, creating a glossy coating that’s oh-so-appealing.
• Chili Sauce: Adding just the right amount of tang and spice, this tomato-based sauce balances the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Orange Juice: A splash of citrus adds brightness to the sauce and helps thin it out for a lovely consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness with rich, molasses-like undertones that makes the glaze even more indulgent.
• Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: These provide a fresh, vibrant garnish that brings color and a hint of earthiness.

How to Make Cranberry Meatballs

After making these for a holiday potluck, I can tell you—they disappeared before I could even get a second serving! Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are always a hit. Choose from one of the three easy methods below, all straightforward and time-efficient.

Stove Method

1. Combine: In a large skillet over medium heat, mix together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir frequently until everything is smooth and bubbly.
2. Add: Toss in the frozen meatballs, stirring to coat them fully in the sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are heated through.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Mix: In a 5–7 quart slow cooker, blend the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar.
2. Add: Stir in the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally to keep everything mixed.
3. Switch: Once cooked, change the setting to WARM until you’re ready to serve.

Oven Method

1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the frozen meatballs in a large baking dish.
2. Microwave: Warm the cranberry sauce in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, then mix in the chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar.
3. Pour: Drizzle the sauce mixture over the meatballs and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through to coat and ensure they heat evenly.

Regardless of the method you select, these meatballs are best served hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions. And don’t forget those toothpicks for easy serving!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs

With a recipe this easy, there aren’t many tips to offer, but here are some suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Use high-quality meatballs: Opt for firm meatballs that won’t fall apart while simmering in the sauce. Do not thaw them before cooking to maintain their shape.
• Make from-scratch meatballs: If you prefer homemade, mix 1 pound of ground beef with ½ pound of ground pork, one egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs, and ¼ cup milk. Season to taste and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
• Adjust sweetness: You can modify the amount of brown sugar to your liking. Add it gradually and taste as you go—add more for a sweeter profile or reduce it for a less sugary sauce.
• Add depth: Enhance the sauce’s flavor with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of ground ginger. You could also use Dijon mustard or cranberry-orange marmalade for added complexity.
• Prepare the sauce in advance: Make the sauce up to two days before serving. Simply store it separately and add it to the meatballs just before cooking.
• Best serving practices: Ideal as appetizers, serve them with decorative toothpicks. Alternatively, they work wonderfully over rice or mashed potatoes. For a fun twist, nestle them in buns for mini sandwiches!

How to Store

If you find yourself with leftover cranberry meatballs, don’t fret! They store and freeze beautifully for later enjoyment.

To Store: Refrigerate any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them along with the sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Warm your leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes or microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

More Meatball Recipes to Try

If you love these cranberry meatballs, here are some other delicious options to explore:

• Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
• Chicken Piccata Meatballs
• Christmas Meatballs
• French Onion Meatballs