Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker)

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!

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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 cranberry meatballs all fall and winter long, I know my family and friends are going to adore them!

5 from 5 votes

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Cranberry Meatballs

These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are a 5 ingredient appetizer that are sure to be the hit of any party!

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Servings 10

Calories 306 kcal

Author Dinner at the Zoo

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

1. Place the cranberry sauce in a bowl and microwave at 45 second intervals until just melted.

2. Whisk in the chili sauce, orange juice and brown sugar; stir until mostly smooth.

3. Place the meatballs in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.

4. Cook for 4 hours on LOW then serve, topped with parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Ocean Spray.

Nutrition Facts

Cranberry Meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 306 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14g 22%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 86mg 29%

Sodium 623mg 26%

Potassium 115mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 29g 10%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 16g

Protein 18g 36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.