The sweet and tangy flavor of these Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs will instantly become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or hosting a holiday gathering, this dish is the ultimate choice for effortless cooking.
What’s more, this recipe is a breeze to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let the flavors meld together while you relax. These meatballs can be served as a mouthwatering appetizer or paired with rice for a comforting main course. Versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
- 14 oz can cranberry sauce
- 12 oz jar chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Add frozen meatballs to your slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Delight
These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a game day party, or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
The combination of cranberry sauce and chili sauce creates a flavorful glaze that coats the meatballs perfectly. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce, the tanginess of the chili sauce, and the richness of the Worcestershire sauce make these meatballs irresistible. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen! This recipe uses frozen meatballs and the magic of the slow cooker, so you can just set it and forget it.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Meatballs:
- Effortless – With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-packed – The sweet and tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile – Serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
- Crowd-pleaser – These meatballs are always a hit at parties and family gatherings, making them a great choice for your next event.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an appetizer: Serve these meatballs with toothpicks for a finger-food-friendly treat.
- As a main course: Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- For parties: They are perfect for potlucks, game days, or holiday gatherings where they can be served in a slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the event.
Pro Tips:
- You can make these meatballs ahead of time! Simply store the sauce-coated meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours before slow cooking them.
- Want a little extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap out the frozen meatballs for homemade turkey or chicken meatballs.
Ingredients You Need:
- Frozen Meatballs – Frozen meatballs are a convenient choice for this recipe, but you can also use homemade meatballs if you prefer.
- Cranberry Sauce – Adds sweetness and a lovely tartness to the dish.
- Chili Sauce – Brings a mild tang and a slight kick of heat to balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and gives the sauce a lovely depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and richness to the overall flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs:
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make! Simply whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, coat the frozen meatballs in the sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic. In 4-6 hours, you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Meatballs:
- Use frozen meatballs for ease: While you can make homemade meatballs, frozen meatballs save time and still provide great results.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like your meatballs a bit sweeter, you can add more brown sugar or a spoonful of honey to taste.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce and meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just transfer them to the slow cooker in the morning, and let them cook while you go about your day.
- For extra flavor: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an appetizer: These meatballs are perfect served with toothpicks or skewers. Arrange them on a platter with a dipping sauce, and watch them disappear!
- Over rice or quinoa: Make it a meal by serving these flavorful meatballs over white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. The sweet-tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with the grains.
- With mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables: For a comforting dinner, serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. The rich sauce complements the potatoes perfectly!
Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: These cranberry meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Simply allow them to cool, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just 5 minutes of prep time and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can serve a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Whether as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish, the sweet and savory sauce will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make, tasty, and impressive—this recipe is a must-try for your next gathering!