Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are a tasty treat that combines sweet and tangy flavors. Made with juicy meatballs simmered in a delicious cranberry sauce, they are perfect for any gathering!
Who doesn’t love an easy recipe that makes the house smell amazing? I enjoy serving these meatballs at parties because they disappear fast—everyone loves them! 🎉
Making them is a breeze! I just toss the meatballs and sauce in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. You’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs made from beef, pork, or turkey. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try chicken meatballs or even veggie meatballs as a substitute!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is best for this recipe, giving a nice texture and flavor. However, you can also use homemade cranberry sauce or cranberry jelly if you have it on hand.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for barbecue sauce to match your taste preference. For a twist, consider using a spicy barbecue sauce or a teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar) to mimic the richness.
Fresh Herbs: While garnishing with parsley or rosemary is optional, these herbs add a fresh touch. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions can work, but use less!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your meatballs juicy and flavorful, it’s all about slow cooking them in the sauce. Mixing the meatballs with the sauce before cooking helps them absorb those sweet and tangy flavors.
- Make sure to cover the crockpot properly to trap the moisture while cooking.
- Stir the meatballs gently halfway through to ensure they cook evenly without falling apart.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot model; some cook faster than others, so check for doneness.
How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 can (12 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then simmers in the crockpot. You’ll need 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your crockpot settings. So, set it and enjoy other activities while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them first; they will cook perfectly from frozen!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks delicious!
3. Coat The Meatballs:
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir, ensuring that each meatball gets coated with that yummy sauce.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it cook for 4-6 hours. If you choose high, it will take about 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Stir Halfway:
If you can, stir the meatballs gently halfway through the cooking time. This helps them absorb more of the sauce flavors and ensures even cooking.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When the meatballs are ready, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or rosemary on top for a lovely touch. Serve these tangy meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal!
Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor balance in every bite of these easy crockpot cranberry meatballs!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can use homemade meatballs. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the crockpot, as the cooking time will be less—around 2-3 hours on low should suffice.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and mix it with the meatballs a day ahead. Store them in the fridge overnight and simply transfer to the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time if they start off cold!
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
These cranberry meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a sub sandwich! You can also serve them as an appetizer alongside toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to make the sauce fluid again!
