Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it takes simple frozen meatballs and turns them into something special with very little effort. The sauce comes together quickly and coats the meatballs beautifully, making them irresistible. I also love that they can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs frozen fully cooked meatballs
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup honey
½ cup chili sauce
salt and pepper to taste

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by combining cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, chili sauce, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. I stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to simmer.
3. I add the frozen meatballs directly into the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
4. I reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. I serve them hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish with a side of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of soy sauce for a savory depth. I also like using pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a tropical twist. For extra heat, I stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or juice if the sauce has thickened too much. These meatballs also reheat well in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, I often make my own meatballs and cook them fully before adding them to the sauce.

Do I need to thaw the frozen meatballs first?

No, I add them straight from the freezer, and they heat through as they simmer in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, I mix the sauce ingredients, add the meatballs, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, I add hot sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for extra kick.

What can I substitute for honey?

I like using maple syrup or brown sugar if I don’t have honey on hand.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

Yes, it works just as well, though the texture will be smoother.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thin?

I simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to let it thicken.

What side dishes go best with these meatballs?

I like serving them with rice, mashed potatoes, or even over egg noodles.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce meatballs?

Yes, I freeze them after cooking and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Yes, I double the sauce and meatballs, and everything scales up easily.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are one of my favorite easy recipes for when I want something festive and flavorful without a lot of work. I love the balance of tangy cranberry, sweet honey, and savory meatballs all simmered together in one pan. They’re always a hit whether I serve them as a holiday appetizer or a hearty main course.

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