Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are like little balls of candy that you can’t stop eating. Bursting with delicious cranberry flavor, these meatballs are worth the wait.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Why Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs Are a Game-Changer
Craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty addition to your dinner table? These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a rich cranberry sauce that makes every bite irresistible. This easy meatball recipe is a lifesaver for busy days, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a versatile dish to pair with pasta or sandwiches, these cranberry sauce meatballs will steal the show.
The cranberry sauce in these meatballs is not too sweet, but is thick and rich and is loaded with flavor. These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect little balls all rolled into one. Spend less time in your kitchen and pull out that slow cooker and get cooking.
Can you cook meatballs in the slow cooker?
- Yes! Make meatballs, place them in a lightly sprayed 6qt slow cooker and cover with sauce. Stir to coat meatballs, cover and cook on low 4 hours.
How long does it take to cook meatballs in a slow cooker?
- Cook meatballs for 4-6 hours on low in the slow cooker. Meatballs are done when know longer pink on the inside. If the meatballs are done in 4 hours, you can keep them on warm until ready to serve.
Can you put raw meatballs in a slow cooker?
- Yes! If you want to skip a step and not cook them in the oven for 12 minutes you can put them directly into the slow cooker and add the sauce on top. Make sure you use lean ground beef so the sauce does not get greasy.
Do you cook meatballs before you put them in the sauce?
- This slow cooker recipe I cook the meatballs in the oven on a cookie sheet for 12 minutes. You can also brown them on the stove in a skillet and then put them in the slow cooker and cover with sauce.
What Makes These Cranberry Meatballs So Special?
This slow cooker meatball recipe stands out for its convenience and bold flavors:
- Effortless Prep: Mix, bake briefly, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Perfect Balance: The tangy cranberry and chili sauce combo creates a thick, flavorful glaze that’s not overly sweet.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, in sliders, or with pasta for a complete meal.
- Party-Ready: Keep them warm in the slow cooker for easy serving at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes! Swap homemade meatballs for frozen ones to save time. Add them directly to the slow cooker with the cranberry and chili sauce, and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the meatballs up to a day in advance, then store in the fridge. When ready, add to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook as directed.
How do I prevent greasy meatballs?
Use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to keep the sauce smooth and avoid excess grease in your cranberry sauce meatballs.
Want more Slow Cooker Recipes?
- Slow Cooker Broccoli and Beef
- Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider
- Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
- The Best Slow Cooker Ribs
- Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup stuffing mix, processed in food processor ( I used Pepperidge Farms seasoned stuffing mix)
- 1 can (16oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle (12oz) chili sauce
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
- Place ground beef in large mixing bowl.
- Pour stuffing mix into food processor and process on high until fine crumbs form and remove 1/2 cup and place in mixing bowl with ground beef.
- Add in: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, whole milk, egg, and onion to bowl and combine all the ingredients.
- Shape into walnut sized balls (or you can use a cookie scooper) and place on a large sheet pan. Meatballs can be placed close together, but not touching.
- Bake for 12 minutes and then put into slow cooker. Mix the cranberry sauce and chili sauce together and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook on Low for 3 hours.
- Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.
