Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Share

These Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs are a sweet, tangy and savory appetizer that could not be easier to throw together.

Frozen homestyle meatballs simmer in a simple sauce made with chili sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, brown sugar and Worcestershire until everything is glossy, sticky and delicious.

They are perfect for holiday parties, game day snacking, potlucks or any time you need an easy slow cooker appetizer that people will keep going back for.

Just dump everything in the crock pot, give it a stir while it cooks, and let the slow cooker do the work.

Why This Recipe is a Winner!

• Easy to make: You only need 5 simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep to get everything into the slow cooker.
• Perfect for parties: These meatballs are great for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, game day, potlucks and holiday appetizer spreads.
• Uses frozen meatballs: Homestyle frozen meatballs keep this recipe quick, easy and super convenient.
• Slow cooker friendly: The crock pot keeps the meatballs warm and saucy, so guests can serve themselves throughout the party.
• Great make-ahead option: You can get them cooking before guests arrive and have a warm appetizer ready when it’s time to eat.
• Crowd pleasing: These sticky cranberry meatballs are easy to grab with toothpicks and always disappear fast.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Homestyle meatballs: Frozen homestyle meatballs make this recipe quick and easy with almost no prep. They soak up the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce as they cook and turn into the perfect bite-sized party appetizer.
• Chili sauce: Chili sauce gives the meatballs a tangy tomato-based flavor with just a little zip. It balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and helps create that glossy, sticky appetizer sauce.
• Jellied cranberry sauce: Jellied cranberry sauce melts down in the slow cooker and gives the meatballs their sweet, fruity holiday flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce so it coats the meatballs nicely.
• Brown sugar: A little brown sugar adds extra sweetness and depth to the sauce. It helps round out the tangy chili sauce and makes the cranberry glaze even more delicious.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet. It brings a little richness that works perfectly with the cranberry and chili sauce.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don't miss out on any important tips and tricks!

Step By Step Instructions

 STEP 1: 

I poured the meatballs, chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into my slow cooker.

 STEP 2: 

I cooked the meatballs on LOW for 3 hours stirring occasionally.

Every bite is sweet, tangy, saucy and savory, with tender meatballs coated in that glossy cranberry chili sauce.

Serve them warm straight from the crock pot and watch them disappear one toothpick at a time.

If you are looking for a super simple appetizer recipe for your next party or gathering, then you need to try these Cranberry Meatballs!

• Use homestyle meatballs: Homestyle meatballs work best with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Italian-style meatballs can work too, but they will give the recipe a more herby, garlicky flavor.
• Stir as they cook: Give the meatballs a stir about every 30 minutes so the sauce melts evenly and coats everything nicely.
• Cook until the sauce is smooth: The cranberry sauce needs time to melt down completely. Once the sauce is glossy and well combined, the meatballs are ready to serve.
• Keep them warm for parties: After the meatballs are heated through, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting so they stay saucy and ready for guests.
• Use a slow cooker liner: If you want easier cleanup, pop a liner in the crock pot before adding the ingredients.
• Do not overcook them: Once the meatballs are hot and coated in sauce, they do not need to keep cooking on high. Leaving them too long can make the sauce too thick.
• Serve with toothpicks: Toothpicks make these meatballs easy to grab from an appetizer table or party spread.
• Double the recipe for a crowd: If you are serving a larger group, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and stir well so everything gets coated.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use different meatballs: Homestyle frozen meatballs are my go-to, but turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs or Italian-style meatballs can all be used. Just keep in mind that Italian-style meatballs will add more garlic and herb flavor.
• Swap the cranberry sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce can be used instead of jellied cranberry sauce if you want more texture in the sauce.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce or a little cayenne pepper to give the sauce some heat.
• Use grape jelly: If you do not have cranberry sauce, grape jelly can be used for a more classic sweet and tangy party meatball flavor.
• Try barbecue sauce: Swap some or all of the chili sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smokier, sweeter version.
• Add orange flavor: Stir in a little orange zest or a splash of orange juice to brighten up the cranberry sauce.
• Make it sweeter: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar if you like your cranberry meatballs on the sweeter side.
• Make them saucier: If you prefer extra sauce for spooning over rice or potatoes, add a little extra chili sauce or cranberry sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?

• No, you do not need to thaw the meatballs first. Just add them to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and cook until heated through.

Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce instead of jellied cranberry sauce?

• Yes. Whole berry cranberry sauce can be used if you prefer a sauce with more texture.

Can I make these cranberry meatballs ahead of time?

• Yes. You can cook the meatballs ahead of time and keep them warm in the slow cooker for serving, or refrigerate them and reheat before serving.

How should I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze leftover cranberry meatballs?

• Yes. Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Yield: Serves 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs are an easy slow cooker appetizer made with frozen homestyle meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from chili sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.

These saucy party meatballs are perfect for holidays, potlucks, game day and simple entertaining.

No Ratings

Print

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chili sauce
• 14 ounces jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 26 ounces homestyle frozen meatballs

Instructions

1. To your crockpot, add meatballs, chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Cook for 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 on low, stirring about every 30 minutes.
3. Once jelly has melted and everything is well combined, enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 388Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 1195mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 4gSugar: 25gProtein: 15g

This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

~ Follow on Instagram ~ ~ Follow on Pinterest ~ ~ Follow on TikTok ~

Share