Cranberry Meatballs

No ratings yet

These no-fuss 6-ingredient Cranberry Meatballs are easy to make and packed with sweet and savory flavor for the jolliest holiday appetizer. With frozen meatballs as the base, anyone can make this foolproof recipe.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, holiday, thanksgiving

Servings: servings

Calories: 73kcal

Ingredients

2-2 1/2 pounds frozen meatballs beef, turkey, pork, chicken or plant-based
14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 large orange zested and juiced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

Optional step: If you have extra time, bake or sear the meatballs first. If baking them, place the meatballs in a single layer on an aluminum foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake according to package directions. If searing them, place in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the exterior is slightly browned. This should take about 4-6 minutes.
To a large crockpot, whisk together whole berry cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/4 cup orange juice, and Dijon mustard.
Add the meatballs to the mixture, and stir until coated well.
Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3.
Once the cooking time has completed, uncover, stir well, then set the heat to warm for serving.
You can serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a main dish.

Notes

Storage:

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving then reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Prep and make meatballs in advance — cook, then cool and store in the fridge until ready to serve. Reheat in the slow cooker on low until hot. Alternatively, make them ahead of time and keep on the "warm" setting if planning on serving them in the next few hours. Stir occasionally.

Tips

Brown the meatballs first. This step is optional, but if you have the time, this step is worth it to add extra caramelized flavor.
Make Homemade Meatballs. Want made-from-scratch, homestyle meatballs, double the ingredients of this easy recipe. Roll the meat into 1-inch balls and bake at 350°F 20-25 minutes or until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce. For the best flavor and texture, use thick, slightly chunky whole berry sauce.
Keep warm in the slow cooker. Set on the "warm" setting or on low while entertaining. This is a great way to keep them hot during parties. Just be sure to stir occasionally.
Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest. These are nice and flavorful finishing touches to add right before serving.
Make them spicy. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños for a little heat.

Nutrition