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Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

4.3 from 80 reviews

These Cranberry Meatballs are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Combining bite-sized meatballs with a luscious sauce made from cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, this easy recipe is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting snack. The slow cooker method ensures the meatballs soak up all the rich flavors while remaining juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 26 ounces frozen bite-size meatballs

Sauce

  • 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce (can substitute grape jelly)
  • 12 ounces Heinz chili sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Place the frozen bite-sized meatballs into the slow cooker set on low heat to begin thawing and warming them gently.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole cranberry sauce, Heinz chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dark brown sugar until smooth and well combined, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
  3. Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker, cover the lid, and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the meatballs are well coated and heated through.
  4. Serve: Once cooked, set the slow cooker to warm to keep the meatballs hot. Serve garnished with chopped green onions, if desired, for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute whole cranberry sauce with grape jelly for a different but equally delicious flavor.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even coating of the sauce on the meatballs.
  • For a spicier variation, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • These meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker for a few hours making them great for parties and gatherings.
  • Garnishing with chopped green onions adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and an appealing color contrast.

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, party appetizers, sweet and tangy meatballs, cranberry sauce recipes, easy slow cooker recipes