Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and truly effortless! Just dump everything in your crockpot, stir, and let the magic happen. You’ll love these for parties, game day gatherings, or just a simple appetizer before a holiday meal!
Cranberry Meatballs — Perfect for the Holidays or Parties
Cranberry meatballs are a classic appetizer that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or planning a party, these flavorful meatballs are always a hit.
You’ll also appreciate the easy slow cooker method — just dump and combine. No prepping or chopping anything (unless you want to garnish with fresh herbs like I did) but seriously so simple.
I know not everyone enjoys frozen meatballs from the grocery store, but if you find the right brand, it makes all the difference. We enjoy Trader Joes beef meatballs but if you want to take the extra time to make your own, feel free! You can find my basic meatball combo HERE, just head to the recipe card for the ingredients!
Ingredients You Need
- Meatballs- Frozen meatballs are super convenient and there are some brands better than others. You can also make your own meatballs if you prefer homemade.
- Cranberry sauce– Use canned, whole berry cranberry sauce.
- Brown sugar
- BBQ sauce
One Easy Step for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
- Add frozen or cooked meatballs to a slow cooker and combine with cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6. Toss just before serving and garnish with fresh herbs for a festive look.
These cranberry meatballs are incredibly versatile and easy to serve. Keep them warm in the crockpot for stress-free entertaining, or serve them as a hearty appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite holiday sides. My husband and I enjoy these with creamy mashed potatoes and a side salad. So comforting and simple.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Use frozen meatballs for convenience or make your own.
- Stir halfway through cooking to evenly coat the meatballs.
- Reduce sweetness by eliminating the brown sugar.
- Keep warm setting on your crockpot for parties.
- Serve with toothpicks for an easy finger-food appetizer.
- Make it a main dish and pair with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Add spice for a kick: Use red pepper flakes or stir in your favorite hot sauce.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Cranberry Meatballs
Make ahead by preparing sauce ingredients up to 2 days in advance. If using homemade meatballs: pre-cook meatballs, cool, then store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble in the slow cooker.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer bag in a single layer to lay flat in the freezer and thaw easier.
Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Equipment
- slow cooker I used a 2.5 quart crockpot
- party picks
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen or homemade beef meatballs or use turkey or chicken
- 14 ounce can, whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar no need to pack
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients (minus the herbs) in your slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring once half way through, or cook on low for 5-6 hours, stirring 2-3 times.
- Toss meatballs just before serving and garnish with chives or parsley to make it look festive. Keep warm in the slow cooker and serve with party picks for easy entertaining.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Appetizers To Make
Looking for more easy appetizer options? Try these favorites next or alongside your cranberry meatballs: Cocktail Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, Whipped Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip, Cheesy Olive Bread, Marinated Cheese Appetizer, and Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Little Smokies.
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