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Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs

Quick Christmas Cranberry Meatballs are the ultimate sweet-savory appetizer for your holiday party. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a festive cranberry-chili sauce that's tangy, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes. This high-protein version uses extra lean meat and adds protein-rich ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Jellied cranberry sauce canned
  • 12 oz Chili sauce 1 bottle, Heinz preferred
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder for sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 64 oz Frozen pre-cooked meatballs beef or turkey, 2 bags for high protein
  • 2 pounds Extra lean ground beef or turkey breast 93/7 or leaner, for homemade option
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for homemade meatballs
  • 2 Eggs for homemade meatballs
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs or oat flour for homemade meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder for homemade meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder for homemade meatballs
  • Salt and pepper to taste, for homemade meatballs
  • Fresh parsley or rosemary optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Mixing bowl (for homemade meatballs)
  • Baking sheet (for homemade meatballs)
  • parchment paper
  • Small cookie scoop (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
  2. For store-bought meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs (2 bags, about 64 oz total) directly into the sauce without thawing. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
  4. For homemade high-protein meatballs: Mix ground meat, Greek yogurt, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
  5. Form mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  7. Add baked meatballs to the prepared sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

High Protein Tips: Using extra lean ground meat (93/7 or higher) maximizes protein content. Greek yogurt adds moisture and 6g protein per 1/4 cup. Using 2 bags of meatballs doubles the protein content. Each serving contains approximately 24-28g of protein. For extra protein boost, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to homemade meatballs. Turkey meatballs are leaner and higher in protein than beef.
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