Sweet and tangy cranberry meatballs made with turkey meatballs, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Quick, festive, and crowd-pleasing!
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Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
I’ll be honest with you—this recipe was born out of desperation. Picture this: Christmas Eve, guests on the way, and me realizing I had nothing to set out as an appetizer. The fridge wasn’t exactly stocked with gourmet options. But then I spotted a lonely can of cranberry sauce hiding behind the pickles, and right next to it, a bottle of chili sauce that I’d probably bought on sale months before. Oh, and thank goodness for frozen turkey meatballs in the freezer.
I tossed everything in a pot, crossed my fingers, and prayed it wouldn’t taste like chaos. And wouldn’t you know it? People raved. My aunt even asked if I could share the recipe (I laughed because there wasn’t really a recipe at that point). Fast forward, and now this cranberry meatballs recipe has become a must-have for my family gatherings. Isn’t it funny how the “oops” moments in the kitchen sometimes turn into traditions?
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Meatballs Recipe?
These cranberry meatballs check all the boxes: easy, delicious, and just fancy enough to impress people. The sauce is a mix of sweet, tangy, and zippy—perfect for cutting through all the rich foods we devour around the holidays. Plus, you can whip them up in 15 minutes on the stovetop or throw them in a slow cooker if you’d rather kick back with a glass of wine. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Ingredient Notes:
I always say the secret to this recipe is how the simple ingredients come together. Here’s the breakdown:
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Turkey Meatballs – I keep frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs on hand. Less stress, more flavor. You could absolutely use beef or chicken if that’s what’s in your freezer.
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Cranberry Sauce – The jellied kind melts down beautifully. Homemade works too, but don’t feel guilty about popping open the can.
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Chili Sauce – Don’t let the name scare you—it’s tangy, not spicy. Think of it as ketchup’s more interesting cousin.
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Brown Sugar – Adds that deep, molasses-y sweetness that makes the sauce taste homemade.
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Lemon Juice – A squeeze of citrus at the end keeps the sauce from feeling heavy. That little zing? Totally necessary.
How To Make Cranberry Meatballs?
Stovetop Method
Grab a saucepan, toss in the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until it all melts together into a glossy red sauce that smells incredible. Then just add the meatballs, let them simmer, and in no time you’ve got a pot of holiday magic.
Slow Cooker Method
This is my “set it and forget it” trick for parties. Dump everything into the slow cooker, stir, add the meatballs, and put the lid on. Cook on low for about 3–4 hours. When you open it up, the sauce is smooth, the meatballs are tender, and you’ll probably want to “taste test” three or four before serving.
Storage Options:
If you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat perfectly on the stovetop or even in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them back up—easy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Try these:
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Swap the turkey meatballs for beef, pork, or chicken—all work beautifully.
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Use homemade cranberry sauce if you’ve got leftovers from Thanksgiving.
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Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
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No lemons? Try orange juice for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Want To Save This Recipe?
What to Serve with Cranberry Meatballs?
The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. You can:
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Stick toothpicks in them and serve as appetizers.
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Spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes for dinner.
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Stuff them into slider buns with a slice of cheese—hello, party sandwiches.
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Pair them with roasted veggies if you’re trying to balance things out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make them a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Do I have to use turkey meatballs?
Not at all. Beef, pork, chicken, or even veggie meatballs will work. Use what you love.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The sauce is more sweet than spicy, so kids usually gobble them up. I’ve even seen my picky nephew ask for seconds.
And there you have it: my cranberry meatballs recipe—born from a holiday mishap but now one of my favorite go-tos. If you give these a try, let me know… would you serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or go all in and make them the main course?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 2 lbs pre-cooked turkey meatballs
For the sauce:
- 1 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- 1 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine the chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cranberry sauce has melted into the chili sauce.
- Add the turkey meatballs to the pan. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve immediately.
Slow Cooker Method:
- In the insert of a slow cooker, add the chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the cranberry sauce and stir until combined.
- Add the turkey meatballs and stir gently until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is smooth. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker, if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
