Every holiday season, there’s always that one dish that brings everyone to the table a little faster. For my family, it’s these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs — tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, tangy cranberry glaze that tastes like the holidays in every bite. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
The first time I made them, it was purely by accident. I was in a rush to prepare something for a holiday party and found a bag of frozen meatballs, a can of cranberry sauce, and a bottle of chili sauce in the pantry. I tossed everything in my slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. What came out was pure magic — saucy, sweet, and savory perfection. Since then, these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs have become my go-to holiday recipe when I need something crowd-pleasing and stress-free.
If you love cozy, quick dishes like this, you’ll also enjoy my Garlic Butter Bread Rolls and Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes. Both are simple and comforting, the perfect match for a meal that feels like home.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
- Add frozen meatballs and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1–2 hours. If using stovetop, simmer covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm from the pot or transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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The Secret Behind the Sauce
What makes these meatballs so irresistible is that cranberry glaze — a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors. The cranberry sauce gives it that festive red shine, while the chili sauce adds depth and just enough spice to balance it out. Together, they create a glossy coating that clings beautifully to every meatball.
I love adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of brown sugar for extra richness. The sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers, turning the meatballs into sticky, flavorful bites that practically melt in your mouth.
If you’re serving a full holiday meal, pair these with my Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin or Creamed Corn Thanksgiving Side Dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is unbeatable.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
This recipe couldn’t be easier. You’ll only need a few ingredients: a bag of frozen fully cooked meatballs, a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce, a bottle of chili sauce, and a couple of pantry staples.
In a medium saucepan or slow cooker, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Add the frozen meatballs and toss gently to coat.
If you’re using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1–2 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. If you’re short on time, you can simmer everything on the stovetop for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
That’s it — no baking, no frying, no mess. Just delicious, holiday-ready meatballs in minutes. I love serving them in a big bowl garnished with fresh parsley or placing toothpicks in each for easy appetizers.
For a complete spread, serve them alongside Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites and Christmas Cookie Lasagna. It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet to impress any crowd.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Meatballs
Use your favorite frozen meatballs — beef, turkey, or even plant-based all work beautifully. For a richer flavor, let them simmer a little longer so the sauce caramelizes slightly.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a more citrusy note, mix in a teaspoon of orange zest or a squeeze of orange juice — it brightens the cranberry flavor and makes the dish even more festive.
You can make these meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
After a plateful of these, end the meal on a sweet note with my Heavenly Moist Fruitcake or Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Both are the perfect companions for a cozy winter dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Cranberry Meatballs check every box: quick, flavorful, and festive. The cranberry glaze makes them shine like little ornaments on your dinner table, and the balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. And since they cook in one pot, cleanup is a breeze — exactly what every busy cook needs during the holidays.
If you’re building a full Christmas menu, pair these meatballs with Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup. It’s hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these with homemade meatballs?
Yes, absolutely. Just cook them beforehand and simmer in the cranberry sauce mixture as directed.
2. What type of chili sauce should I use?
Use classic Heinz chili sauce or any mild, tomato-based variety. Avoid hot sauces — you want tangy, not spicy.
3. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. Make them the day before, refrigerate, and reheat on low in your slow cooker before serving.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, and you should! They disappear fast, especially at parties. Just make sure to double the sauce too so every meatball gets coated.
If you love make-ahead holiday dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. Both are cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes that simplify your cooking schedule.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Serve them warm straight from the slow cooker or arrange them in a serving dish with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary for a festive touch. They’re perfect on their own or served over buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
If you’re creating a buffet table, pair these with Grinch Dip and Mini Sugar Cookies. It’s a fun balance of savory and sweet — the kind of spread that makes every guest happy.
A Festive Classic You’ll Make Every Year
Once you try these Christmas Cranberry Meatballs, they’ll become part of your holiday tradition. They’re festive, flavorful, and so simple that you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without them. Every bite is a reminder of what holiday food is all about — warmth, comfort, and sharing something delicious with the people you love.
And when the plates are clean and everyone’s full, you’ll have more time to relax — because you made something incredible with almost no effort.
For more holiday inspiration, check out my Christmas Peppermint Pie and Frosted Christmas Brownies. Both add a touch of sweetness that rounds out any festive meal perfectly.