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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 109 reviews

Delicious and easy Cranberry Sauce Meatballs combine tender fully cooked meatballs with a tangy, sweet cranberry and chili sauce. This crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack features a perfectly balanced sauce seasoned with garlic and onion powders, simmered to perfection and optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

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, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked and completely thawed before proceeding to ensure even heating.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan or slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
  3. Heat Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the sauce mixture until it begins to bubble. Allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs into the simmering sauce, stirring carefully to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.
  5. Simmer Meatballs: Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering the meatballs in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a savory-sweet appetizer or main dish accompaniment.

Notes

  • Use fully cooked meatballs for a quick and easy recipe.
  • Adjust brown sugar amount to taste for sweeter or tangier sauce.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but can be omitted.
  • This recipe can be prepared in a slow cooker on low for 2 hours for convenience.
  • Try turkey or plant-based meatballs for a leaner or vegetarian variation.

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