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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings and high in protein.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the sauce
  • 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce (1 can)
  • 12 oz chili sauce (1 bottle, Heinz recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for sauce
For the meatballs
  • 64 oz frozen pre-cooked meatballs (2 bags, beef or turkey) for a quick option
  • 2 pounds extra lean ground beef or ground turkey breast 93/7 or leaner, for homemade option
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain, non-fat, at room temperature, for homemade option
  • 2 large eggs for homemade option
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour for homemade option
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder for meatballs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for meatballs
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for meatballs

Method
 

Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Cook with Frozen Meatballs
  1. If using frozen meatballs, add both bags directly into the hot sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat each meatball evenly.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make Homemade Meatballs
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, room temperature Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  2. Form into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
  3. Transfer the baked homemade meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Serving Suggestions
  1. Serve on a festive platter with toothpicks or in a slow cooker on warm for self-serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. For variations, try different spices or sauces.