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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe

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4.4 from 55 reviews

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a deliciously tangy and sweet appetizer or main dish featuring fully cooked meatballs simmered in a flavorful sauce made from whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or easy weeknight meals, these meatballs offer a delightful balance of savory and fruity flavors with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 (24 oz) bag of fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)

Sauce

  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of salt

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked and thoroughly thawed before starting the sauce preparation to ensure even heating.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan or slow cooker, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the sauce mixture until it begins to bubble, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Meatballs: Add the fully cooked meatballs into the sauce, stirring gently to coat each meatball thoroughly with the sauce.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the meatballs to heat through completely and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for added color and flavor, then serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • These meatballs can be prepared in a slow cooker on low for 2 hours if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.
  • Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the meatballs and chili sauce used are certified gluten-free.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/cranberry-sauce-meatballs-recipe/