Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Featured in Tasty Sauces & Marinades.

These meatballs combine sweet cranberry sauce with tangy chili sauce and warm spices for an easy appetizer or main dish. Ready in just 30 minutes or warm in a slow cooker.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:30:48 GMT
A close-up of a bowl of meatballs covered in a rich, dark red sauce, garnished with a sprig of thyme. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of meatballs covered in a rich, dark red sauce, garnished with a sprig of thyme. | recipesim.com

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Easy

I discovered these Cranberry Sauce Meatballs by happy accident one holiday season when I had leftover cranberry sauce that needed using up. Now they're requested at every gathering I host. The combination of juicy meatballs and that sweet tangy sauce with just a hint of spice creates pure magic. Whether I'm hosting a holiday party or just making a cozy dinner these never fail to bring smiles to the table.

Why These Meatballs Are Special

What makes this recipe a favorite in my kitchen is how simple yet impressive it is. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time you get the most amazing results. They're perfect for any occasion from fancy holiday parties to casual game day gatherings. I love that I can adjust the spice level to suit different tastes and even make them ahead when I know I'll be busy later.

A Perfect Flavor Balance

Every bite of these meatballs tells a delicious story. The tartness from the cranberry sauce plays beautifully with the brown sugar's sweetness while that blend of chili powder cumin and cayenne adds such wonderful warmth. The meatballs soak up all that amazing sauce becoming tender juicy flavor bombs that keep everyone coming back for more.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

Here's everything you need to create these amazing meatballs:

  1. 1 can jellied cranberry sauce
  2. 1 bottle chili sauce
  3. 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  4. 1/2 teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin
  5. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  6. 1 package frozen home style meatballs thawed

The quality of your chili sauce really makes a difference here.

A bowl of meatballs coated in a glossy red sauce, garnished with mint leaves. Pin it
A bowl of meatballs coated in a glossy red sauce, garnished with mint leaves. | recipesim.com

Kitchen Essentials

Before we start gather your tools. You'll need either a large saucepan or your slow cooker I love using my slow cooker when I'm entertaining. Don't forget your measuring spoons and a good wooden spoon for stirring. Have a pretty serving dish ready too these meatballs deserve a nice presentation.

Let's Make Some Magic

If you're using the stovetop method start by combining your cranberry sauce chili sauce brown sugar and spices in a large pan over medium heat. Stir until everything's smooth and the sugar dissolves. Add those thawed meatballs and let them simmer getting coated in all that delicious sauce about 20 to 25 minutes.

For slow cooker lovers combine everything in your cooker set it on low and let it work its magic for 2 to 3 hours. The sauce gets even richer this way and your house will smell amazing.

Serving Ideas

These meatballs are so versatile. Set them out as appetizers with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. Sometimes I serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. My family loves them with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Tips From My Kitchen

While store bought meatballs work great if you have time try making your own the difference is incredible. Feel free to play with the spice levels my husband loves extra cayenne while I keep it mild when serving kids. And always make extra these disappear so quickly you'll be glad to have more.

Keeping Them Fresh

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days just store them in an airtight container. You can even freeze them for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them again warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until they're heated through.

Common Questions

Friends often ask if they can use homemade cranberry sauce absolutely it adds such a wonderful fresh flavor. These are perfect for making ahead just reheat them before serving. And yes you can definitely use turkey or even vegetarian meatballs the sauce makes anything taste amazing.

A close-up of meatballs coated in a glossy cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, served in a speckled bowl. Pin it
A close-up of meatballs coated in a glossy cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, served in a speckled bowl. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs instead of frozen. Just make sure they're fully cooked before adding to the sauce.

→ What's the best way to serve these for a party?

Keep them warm in a slow cooker on low setting. This makes them easy to serve and keeps them at the perfect temperature throughout your event.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated when needed. The sauce actually gets better as the flavors meld together.

→ How spicy are these meatballs?

The recipe creates a mild heat level. You can adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder up or down to match your preferred spice level.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

Serve as appetizers with toothpicks, or make it a meal over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

These meatballs combine sweet cranberry sauce with tangy chili sauce and warm spices for an easy appetizer or main dish. Ready in just 30 minutes or warm in a slow cooker.

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Sweet and tangy meatballs in a cranberry chili sauce. A quick and easy appetizer that's perfect for parties or dinner.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Dips & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 60 Servings (60 meatballs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 14 oz can cranberry jelly.
02 12 oz bottle chili sauce.
03 ¾ cup brown sugar.
04 ½ teaspoon chili powder.
05 ½ teaspoon cumin.
06 ¼ teaspoon cayenne.
07 32 oz frozen meatballs.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and spices in a pot over medium heat until smooth.

Step 02

Put thawed meatballs in the sauce and stir to coat.

Step 03

Heat 20-25 minutes, stirring now and then, until meatballs are hot.

Step 04

Or cook in slow cooker on low 2-3 hours, stirring sometimes.

Step 05

Serve warm as appetizers or over rice or potatoes for dinner.

Notes

  1. Adjust spices to taste.
  2. Can make ahead.
  3. Add garnish if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan.
  • Slow cooker (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 74
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g