Get ready for an incredibly easy and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! These Cranberry Meatballs are a festive crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Just a few simple ingredients transform into a sweet and savory sensation, ideal for holiday parties, game days, or even a quick weeknight meal. You’ll love how quickly these come together in your slow cooker, delivering maximum flavor with minimal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Meatballs
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the work.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The rich, tangy cranberry sauce and savory meatballs create an irresistible sweet and savory combination.
- Party Essential: These festive slow cooker meatballs are always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a delicious appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or noodles.
- Universal Appeal: Everyone from kids to adults adores these tasty little bites, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Whip up these amazing Cranberry Meatballs with just five easy ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand, making this recipe a fantastic go-to for impromptu gatherings or busy evenings. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture in your slow cooker creation.
- 26 ounces frozen bite-size meatballs (fully cooked, beef or turkey)
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce (canned, not jelly)
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce (or similar mild chili sauce)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For meatballs, frozen is easiest, but ensure they are pre-cooked. If using homemade meatballs, pre-cook them first to ensure they hold their shape and cook evenly. If you prefer, a 14-ounce can of grape jelly works wonderfully as a substitute for cranberry sauce, offering a slightly different but equally delicious sweet profile. For the chili sauce, Sriracha or a touch of cayenne pepper can add heat if desired, or use a sweet and sour sauce for a milder option. Feel free to adjust the dark brown sugar amount to your taste; you can reduce it for less sweetness or use light brown sugar.
Equipment
Making these delectable Cranberry Meatballs is incredibly simple, requiring just a few basic kitchen tools. You probably already own everything you need to get started.
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger, to avoid overcrowding)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
Making your own delicious Cranberry Meatballs in the slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for a fantastic result.
Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. Ensure they are in a single layer if possible, or spread out evenly to allow for consistent cooking. In a separate medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dark brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates your flavorful, tangy sauce.
Carefully pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure to coat them well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to the LOW heat setting and cook for 4 hours. During the cooking time, give the meatballs a gentle stir occasionally, about once an hour, to ensure they are all evenly coated in the sauce and heat through properly. Once the cooking time is complete, set your slow cooker to the WARM setting for serving. Garnish your delicious Cranberry Meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped green onions for a touch of color and a mild oniony bite before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Meatballs
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a slow cooker large enough to allow the meatballs to spread out, ideally in a single layer. This promotes even heating and sauce distribution.
- Pre-heat the Sauce (Optional): For an even faster start, gently warm the sauce mixture on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker and meatballs.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of water or broth.
- Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can also add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: These meatballs are best enjoyed warm. Keep them on the ‘warm’ setting in your slow cooker for extended serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Cranberry Meatballs is simple, but a few pointers can help. Here’s how to ensure your dish is a success every time.
To adjust sauce consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker sauce. If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked and cooled before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from breaking apart. To prevent the sauce from burning, always cook on the low setting and stir occasionally to distribute heat. If you notice uneven cooking, simply give the meatballs a more frequent stir.
For food safety, the USDA recommends that all ground meat, including meatballs, reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) before serving. Learn more about safe minimum cooking temperatures for ground meat from the USDA.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile Cranberry Meatballs are incredibly adaptable, making them a fantastic addition to any meal plan. From party appetizers to comforting dinners, they fit right in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful meatballs as a party appetizer, skewered with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a satisfying main course, spoon them over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. They also pair wonderfully with simple green salads or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cranberry Meatballs promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave until warmed through, simmer them gently on the stovetop, or place them back in a slow cooker on low until piping hot.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Cranberry Meatballs! Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a brighter, citrusy note. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of ground ginger, garlic powder, or even a dash of cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can also enhance the tanginess of the sauce. Instead of cranberry or grape, try apricot jam or cherry preserves for a unique twist on the classic sweet and savory flavor.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these tasty Cranberry Meatballs. Please remember these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 282 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 25 g |
| Protein Content | 13 g |
| Fat Content | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 49 mg |
| Sodium Content | 530 mg |
| Potassium Content | 355 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 19 g |
| Vitamin A | 255 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Calcium | 22 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade Cranberry Meatballs?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce. This helps them hold their shape and heat evenly.
Can I use grape jelly instead of cranberry sauce for these Cranberry Meatballs?
Yes, grape jelly is a very popular and delicious substitute for cranberry sauce in this recipe. It offers a slightly sweeter, milder flavor profile that many enjoy.
How long do leftover Cranberry Meatballs last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these slow cooker meatballs will last for 3-4 days. Reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Can I make these Cranberry Meatballs on the stovetop or in the oven?
You can! Simmer the sauce and meatballs in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, bake them in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy due to the chili sauce?
The Heinz Chili Sauce typically used in this recipe is quite mild, offering more of a tangy, savory flavor than intense heat. Most people find the resulting Cranberry Meatballs have a sweet and savory balance without being spicy.
Conclusion
These Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are truly a testament to simple, delicious cooking. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a festive, flavorful dish that pleases everyone. Whether you need a quick appetizer for a holiday gathering or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Give these fantastic cranberry-glazed meatballs a try for your next event, and prepare for rave reviews. We’d love to hear how they turned out in the comments below!
Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Medium bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen bite size meatballs
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce can substitute grape jelly
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Instructions
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs into a slow cooker set on low heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, set the slow cooker to warm and serve, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.