These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are a 5 ingredient appetizer that are sure to be the hit of any party!
I am sooooo tired of this crazy heat we’ve got going on here in California. It is hot and humid with no sign of it letting up any time before November. I’m dreaming of cooler weather and fall food, like these amazingly easy slow cranberry meatballs. These meatballs take just minutes to put together and they’re sweet, savory and absolutely delicious. I’m thinking this will be the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving or really any fall get together!
How To Make Cranberry Meatballs
Here’s what you need to make this recipe: frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, orange juice and brown sugar. That’s it!! You can add a little parsley for color like I did here, but that’s totally optional. You can use your favorite variety of frozen pre-cooked meatballs in this recipe. I like to use turkey meatballs, because turkey and cranberry is a classic combination that can’t be beat. Not to mention, turkey meatballs tend to be a little lighter than their beef and pork counterparts, so you won’t fill up too much before the main course. I use a jellied cranberry sauce because I like a smooth sauce for my meatballs, but you could use a whole berry sauce if you prefer.
Remember those old school meatballs with grape jelly sauce? This is a similar concept expect the cranberry sauce keeps things on the more savory side because it’s not as sweet as grape jelly. While these cranberry meatballs are perfect for appetizer hour, they also make a great dinner served over rice with a side of broccoli.
I am so excited to serve these easy meatballs all fall and winter long, I know my family and friends are going to adore them!
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Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 2 lb bag frozen pre-cooked meatballs I recommend turkey meatballs
- 1 12 ounce bottle chili sauce
- 1 14 ounce can jellied cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- optional: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the cranberry sauce in a bowl and microwave at 45 second intervals until just melted.
- Whisk in the chili sauce, orange juice and brown sugar; stir until mostly smooth.
- Place the meatballs in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cook for 4 hours on LOW then serve, topped with parsley if desired.
Sounds delicious. I am making it for New Years day. Do I defrost the frozen meatballs first?
You don’t need to defrost them!
I am making 5lbs of meatballs to I double ingredients? if so which ones?
I would double all the sauce ingredients!
If recipe is doubled, what size slow cooker is best
I’d use a 6 quart!
I made this recipe twice this week in the crockpot. Can you tell me the best way to reheat the leftovers please?
You can reheat them on the stove over low heat!
Hi can I use homemade meatballs baked in oven in place of frozen?
Thank you
Yes that’s fine!
Hello there I have a question! I’m making these tonight for a party, and I’m doubling the recipe, 4 pounds of meatballs. Is it still set at low temperature for four hours? TY!!!! I love all of your recipes by the way!
What kind of Cranberry sauce
I use canned cranberry sauce for this recipe such as Ocean Spray. I typically use the smooth variety.
Didn’t make in the slow cooker but on the stove and slow cooked them for two hours. They were so delish. Would of taken a picture but the kids inhaled them
What kind of chili sauce do you recommend?
I use Heinz brand!
If I double the recipe what size crockpot will I need?
I’d use a 6 quart!
Do you have to double the cooking time if you double the recipe??
No the cooking time will stay the same!
Where do find turkey meatballs?
In the freezer section at most grocery stores!
I have made the Ocean Spray version of this recipe and have served it with steamed carrots and rice, but I would love to add some (canned) pineapple chunks, too. Can I substitute some pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple chunks) in place of the orange juice?
Yes that’s fine!
I made these for superbowl yesterday; They were so easy to throw together and absolutely delicious! They were such a hit! You know it’s good when you get asked for the recipe!
Do you have a brand of frozen meatballs that you would recommend for this recipe?
You could use Farm Rich or Cooked Perfect!
Can you use fresh cranberries sauce?
Thank you!
Yes that’s fine!
The recipe says Cook Time 3 hours, but the instructions say to cook for 4 hours. Which is it?
It is 4 hours
Do you use frozen Italian meatballs or Swedish meatballs for this? I was thinking the garlic and cheese in Italian would clash with the flavors in this recope…
You want a neutral flavored meatball!
I used an Italian beef meatball and it was still delicious! Neutral would be better but I couldn’t find any.
I also cooked 3 lbs with the same amount of sauce ingredients.
And I made the mistake of mixing the sauce ingredients in the crockpot without melting the cranberry sauce first.
None of these errors kept these from being the best meatballs ever!
The chili sauce makes me nervous. Are these spicy or more savory?
The recipe calls for Heinz chili sauce, which is very similar to ketchup and not particularly spicy!
I made this at the holidays and it was fantastic. It’s now going to be a holiday appetizer staple at my house. Easy, delicious and zero leftovers = WINNING!
By mistake I added toooo much brown sugar. How do I doctor up the sauce to take away the sweetness ?
HELP.
You could try adding more cranberry and chili sauces!
Add lemon or vinegar, it takes away sweetness