These Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are a tasty treat! Made with juicy meatballs and a sweet, zesty cranberry sauce, they are perfect for parties or family dinners.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that cooks itself while you relax? I love serving these over rice or just with toothpicks as a fun appetizer. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: You can use beef, pork, or turkey for the meatballs. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chicken or plant-based meatballs. Homemade meatballs also work great for this recipe!
Cranberry Sauce: Whether you choose whole berry or jellied sauce, both add a sweet and tart flavor. If you can’t find cranberry sauce, you could use a fruit jam like raspberry or apricot for a different twist.
Chili Sauce: This adds a nice kick to the dish. If you prefer milder flavors, use ketchup instead of chili sauce, or mix the two for balance. Sriracha or hot sauce can also add heat if you enjoy spicy food!
Brown Sugar: This brings sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as these sweeteners are typically sweeter.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Meatballs in a Crockpot?
Cooking meatballs in the crockpot is simple but requires some attention to ensure they turn out juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with frozen meatballs; there’s no need to thaw them. Just place them in the crockpot as is.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl before pouring it over the meatballs. This ensures the flavors meld together nicely.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce, avoiding breakage. Cover the crockpot to keep the heat in.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to keep the meatballs evenly coated and prevent them from sticking to the sides.
- Timing is key: check for doneness after the recommended cooking time. If the sauce is thick and bubbling, you’re good to go!
These simple techniques help you achieve that delightful flavor and texture that everyone will love!
Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 (12 oz) jar cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 (16 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and can cook in your crockpot for either 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Just set it and forget it while you enjoy some free time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them first, which makes this step super easy!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a spoon to stir everything together until fully combined.
3. Coat the Meatballs:
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot. Gently stir to make sure all the meatballs are coated with the delicious sauce.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are heated through and the sauce is nicely bubbly and thickened.
5. Stir Occasionally:
If you can, give the meatballs a gentle stir every so often. This keeps them coated with the sauce and helps prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
6. Final Touches:
Once cooking time is up, give the meatballs a final stir. Transfer them to a serving dish, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprig of rosemary for a pop of color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs warm. They make a fantastic appetizer with toothpicks, or you can serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Everyone will love the sweet and tangy flavors!
Enjoy these easy and delightful Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs, perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs! If you’re using fresh meatballs, reduce the cooking time slightly, cooking on low for about 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours until they are cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Chili Sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, ketchup can work as a substitute for chili sauce. You might consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to maintain some heat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and coat the meatballs beforehand. Just store them in the crockpot bowl in the fridge and cook them on the day you plan to serve them. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly if they start out cold from the fridge!
