why make this recipe
Cranberry Meatballs in a Crockpot are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. They mix the sweetness of cranberry sauce with the savory flavor of meatballs, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner. Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy your time without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are simple to make and require only a few ingredients!
how to make Cranberry Meatballs in Crockpot
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked beef meatballs (32 ounce bag)
- 1 (14 ounces) can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 (12 ounces) bottle chili sauce
Directions:
- Add the frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, and chili sauce into the crockpot.
- Stir the ingredients together until the meatballs are evenly coated with the cranberry and chili sauces.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating and heating.
- Once cooked through and well heated, serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes for a quick and flavorful meal.
how to serve Cranberry Meatballs in Crockpot
Cranberry Meatballs can be served in many ways. They are great as a finger food at parties. Just put toothpicks in each meatball for an easy serving. You can also serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They pair well with a side salad or green beans too!
how to store Cranberry Meatballs in Crockpot
If you have leftovers, you can store Cranberry Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cranberry Meatballs in Crockpot
- Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for an easy and quick option.
- Stir the mixture a couple of times while cooking to ensure that the flavors blend well.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cranberry sauce depending on your taste!
variation
You can add diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture. If you want some heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh meatballs typically take longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up in the crockpot before serving.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They go well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a hoagie roll. You can also serve them with a side salad for a lighter meal.
Cranberry Meatballs in a Crockpot
Delicious and easy cranberry meatballs cooked in a crockpot, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked beef meatballs (32 ounce bag)
- 1 (14 ounces) can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 (12 ounces) bottle chili sauce
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, and chili sauce into the crockpot.
- Stir the ingredients together until the meatballs are evenly coated with the cranberry and chili sauces.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 240 minutes or on high for 120 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Once cooked through, serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For added flavor, you can incorporate diced onions or bell peppers. Adjust sweetness to taste with either more or less cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
