Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This easy recipe combines the richness of barbecue sauce with the festive touch of cranberry sauce, making it ideal for parties or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 (20 oz) bags frozen meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add chili sauce, cranberry sauce, whole grain mustard, and barbecue sauce to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Stir gently to combine the sauces and coat the meatballs evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
- Step 5: Stir the meatballs a couple of times during cooking to ensure all are well coated with the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Try using turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, colorful touch before serving.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, homemade meatballs work well. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker to avoid overcooking and falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?
You can simmer the sauce and meatballs on low heat for about 30–40 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, but the slow cooker will produce more tender results.
PrintCranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs combine sweet, tangy cranberry sauce with smoky barbecue and mild chili sauce to create a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer or meal. Perfect for parties or a simple weeknight dinner, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers tender, saucy meatballs infused with a delicious blend of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 (20 oz) bags frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, including the frozen meatballs, chili sauce, cranberry sauce, whole grain mustard, and barbecue sauce to ensure you have everything ready to combine.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the chili sauce, whole berry cranberry sauce, whole grain mustard, and barbecue sauce over the meatballs evenly.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The slow cooking process will heat the frozen meatballs through while allowing them to absorb the rich, tangy sauces.
- Stir Occasionally: During cooking, stir the meatballs a couple of times to ensure they are all well coated with the sauce evenly, enhancing flavor distribution.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, serve the cranberry BBQ meatballs warm as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of whole grain mustard or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the low setting for up to 2 hours before serving.
- If you prefer, homemade meatballs can be used instead of frozen meatballs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- This recipe works well for parties and gatherings due to the ease of slow cooker preparation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: cranberry BBQ meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker appetizers, easy party recipes, holiday meatballs
