Oh, these cranberry meatballs are a game-changer! Tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce—what’s not to love? Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, a party appetizer, or just a cozy meal, these little guys will steal the show. Picture this: the savory flavor of the meatballs paired with the sweet-tart goodness of cranberry sauce. It’s a flavor combination you didn’t know you needed, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

This recipe isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together—it’s about creating something that’s absolutely mouthwatering and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for this dish:

Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer for parties, a dish to bring to gatherings, or even a hearty meal when served over rice or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it solo, it’s a winner.

Effortless: With the help of the slow cooker, all you need to do is add the ingredients and let the magic happen. No need to babysit the stove or oven—just set it and forget it!

Flavor Explosion: Sweet, savory, and a little tangy, these meatballs hit every flavor note. The cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of zing to the rich, savory meatballs. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love these meatballs. They’re fun to eat, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cranberry meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef or turkey
Bread crumbs
Onion
Garlic
Egg
Parsley
Salt & pepper

For the Sauce:

Cranberry sauce
Chili sauce
Brown sugar
Dijon mustard
Soy sauce

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs:

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This will make about 20-25 meatballs depending on size. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. The sauce should be smooth and slightly tangy-sweet—perfect for coating the meatballs.

4. Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs into the slow cooker, and pour the cranberry sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.

5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot as an appetizer, over rice, or with mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that delicious cranberry sauce on top!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

These meatballs are so versatile and can be served in many ways to suit the occasion:

As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks or small skewers for easy snacking at parties. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack for your guests.
Over Rice: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice. It turns into a comforting meal in no time.
With Mashed Potatoes: Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
On a Sandwich: Make a quick meatball sub by placing the meatballs and sauce on a toasted roll for a savory sandwich.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to get the most out of this recipe:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs the night before, store them in the fridge, and then add them to the slow cooker with the sauce in the morning. It’s a great way to save time.
Frozen Meatballs: If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen meatballs. Just skip the step of making the meatballs and add them directly to the slow cooker with the sauce.
Adjust the Sauce: Want a bit more heat? Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen or store-bought meatballs if you’re short on time. Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the sauce.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just toss them in the slow cooker with the sauce when you’re ready to go.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A4: Yes! These meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?
A5: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Q6: How spicy are these meatballs?
A6: The sauce has a mild tanginess. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce to kick it up a notch.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! You can double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to fit everything.

Q8: How can I thicken the sauce?
A8: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a little cornstarch or flour mixed with water to achieve your desired consistency.

Q9: Can I serve these meatballs with a side?
A9: Definitely! These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Q10: Can I make these meatballs without bread crumbs?
A10: Yes! You can substitute bread crumbs with oats, crushed crackers, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy meal at home. With just a few ingredients, you can make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to please. So, go ahead and treat yourself (and your guests) to these tender, flavorful meatballs that are sure to be a hit every time!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These sweet and savory cranberry meatballs are made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for appetizers or a hearty main course

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:
- In a slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk to combine.
Add Meatballs:
- Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
Serve:
- Serve the cranberry meatballs warm, either from the slow cooker or transferred to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or cranberries if desired.

Notes

Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Main Course: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Sliders: Serve the meatballs in small slider buns.
Party Food: Keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting during a party.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg