Description
These Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal that combines savory pre-cooked beef meatballs with a tangy and sweet cranberry and chili sauce. Cooked slowly in a crockpot, the meatballs absorb the flavorful sauce, making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked beef meatballs (32 ounce bag)
Sauce
- 1 (14 ounces) can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 (12 ounces) bottle chili sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the frozen pre-cooked beef meatballs, cranberry sauce, and chili sauce into the crockpot. This forms the flavorful base for the dish.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated with the cranberry and chili sauce, helping the flavors meld during cooking.
- Cook: Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours. Stir once or twice during the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer on their own or as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce based on preference; whole berry sauce adds texture, while jellied sauce creates a smoother coating.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents the sauce from burning or sticking to the crockpot sides.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a microwave or stovetop.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives.
