Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are a tasty and simple dish that everyone will love! These little meatballs get sweet and tangy from a cranberry sauce, making them perfect for parties.
They practically cook themselves in the crockpot—just toss everything in and let it do the work. I love serving these with toothpicks for a fun snack! 🍢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are super convenient! You can use beef or pork, or even make turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade meatballs can add a special touch.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce gives a nice texture, but jellied sauce works too. For a twist, you could try using fresh cranberry sauce or even a homemade version by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; a sweet or tangy BBQ sauce complements the cranberries well. For a spicy kick, consider adding some chili sauce or sriracha to the mix.
Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have it, soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can add a nice depth of flavor. I always keep Worcestershire on hand for its unique taste!
How Do You Cook Meatballs in a Crockpot so They Don’t Get Mushy?
Cooking meatballs in a crockpot is easy, but you want to avoid mushiness. Here’s how to keep them firm and flavorful:
- Use frozen meatballs—this helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cooking on low will give them time to heat through without overcooking. 4-6 hours is ideal!
- Stir gently only once or twice during cooking. Constant stirring can break them apart.
Following these tips will help you serve perfect meatballs with great taste and texture!
Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s super easy—just mix, pour, and let your crockpot do the magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs in the crockpot. Try to arrange them in an even layer so they cook evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Sauce and Meatballs:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them evenly. Make sure every meatball gets some of that lovely sauce!
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be hot and the sauce bubbly when they’re done. Don’t forget to stir gently once or twice during cooking!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take off the lid and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or rosemary on top for a nice touch. Serve the meatballs warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add a personal touch. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the crockpot. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them, then use them directly from frozen in the recipe!
Can I Substitute the Cranberry Sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use a berry preserves or even use barbecue sauce alone for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a tart flavor, try blending equal parts apple and cherry sauce for a unique twist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can mix in some hot sauce or chili flakes into the sauce, or replace a portion of the barbecue sauce with a spicy barbecue sauce. Just taste as you go to find your preferred level of spice!
