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Easy Cranberry Meatballs

Easy Cranberry Meatballs

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Oven Bake Time (optional method) 1 hour
Total Time 25 minutes
Bright, tangy cranberry sauce meets zesty chili sauce and juicy ready-made meatballs in these ultra-easy cranberry meatballs. Just add orange juice and a little brown sugar and let your stovetop, oven, or slow cooker do the work for you. Sweet, savory, slightly citrusy, and totally cozy!
6 servings

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 can (397 g) jellied cranberry sauce about 14 ounces
  • 1 bottle (340 g) chili sauce about 12 ounces, such as Heinz
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice fresh or bottled
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar optional, to taste

Meatballs

  • 2 lb (900 g) frozen, fully cooked meatballs beef, turkey, or plant-based

Garnish (optional)

  • chopped fresh parsley or green onions for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
  • Slow cooker
  • Oven-safe Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Microwave (optional)
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions
 

  1. Choose your cooking method: Stovetop, oven, or slow cooker all work for this recipe (see details below).
  2. Stovetop Method: In a large skillet, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture is smooth and starting to bubble.
  3. Add frozen meatballs and toss to coat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Slow Cooker Method: Add cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar to the slow cooker and whisk to combine. Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until heated through and saucy.
  5. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange frozen meatballs in a large baking dish. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the cranberry sauce slightly, then stir in chili sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar until smooth. Pour sauce over meatballs and stir to coat. Bake for 60-90 minutes, stirring once or twice, until bubbly and hot.
  6. Finish & Serve: Garnish hot meatballs with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

For make-ahead, cool meatballs to room temp and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted veggies. Swap in barbecue sauce for chili sauce, or use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs for a twist. See post for more variations and serving tips.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2.5mg