There’s something absolutely magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of cranberry meatballs cooking away in the crockpot. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; everyone was raving about how tender and flavorful they were! It’s such a breeze to throw everything together and let the slow cooker do its thing while I tackle other tasks (or sneak in a Netflix episode!). Trust me, these meatballs are not just easy to make—they’re a delicious blend of sweet and savory that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners, you’re going to love how effortlessly they come together!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
How to Prepare Cranberry Meatballs in Crockpot
Making cranberry meatballs in a crockpot is as simple as it gets! Here’s how you can whip up these delicious bites that are bound to impress. First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands for this part—there’s something satisfying about mixing everything together until it’s all well combined! Once you’ve got a nice mixture, it’s time to form small meatballs. Aim for about one inch in diameter; this is the perfect size for cooking evenly.
Now, gently place the formed meatballs into the crockpot. Try not to overcrowd them—giving each meatball a bit of space allows for even cooking. In a separate bowl, mix together your cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. This combination brings that sweet and tangy flavor that pairs so beautifully with the meat! Pour this luscious sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, making sure they’re nicely coated.
Now comes the best part—set your crockpot to cook! If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for about 3 hours. But if you’ve got the time, low and slow is the way to go for 6 hours. Just let it do its magic while you kick back! Oh, and don’t forget to sneak a taste before serving; the flavors just get better as they meld together. You’re in for a treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce, then pour it over the meatballs.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, letting those flavors meld and the meatballs become tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—just mix, form, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Deliciously sweet and savory flavor from the combination of cranberry and barbecue sauces.
- Versatile dish that can be served as a hearty appetizer or paired with sides for a full meal.
- Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy family dinners; everyone will love them!
- Leftovers are great for meal prep; enjoy them on rice, in sandwiches, or straight from the fridge!
Tips for Success
To elevate your cranberry meatballs, I recommend using high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they help keep the meatballs moist and tender! If you want a little extra zing, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the meat mixture. Also, be sure to coat every meatball in that delicious sauce mixture; it’s where all the magic happens! And remember, if you’re cooking on low, resist the urge to lift the lid too often—keeping it closed helps maintain that perfect cooking temperature. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
These cranberry meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with satisfying nutrients! Each serving (about 4 meatballs) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or brands you use.
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Using ground turkey instead of beef is a great option, especially if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or even a splash of soy sauce to enhance the taste. The texture will be slightly different too—turkey meatballs may be a bit more delicate, but they’ll still soak up that delicious cranberry sauce beautifully!
How long can I store leftovers?
Your leftover crockpot meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just let them cool down before sealing them up. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist. You won’t want to miss out on those tasty leftovers!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, making these cranberry meatballs in advance is not only possible but also a fantastic idea! You can prepare the meatballs and place them in the crockpot with the sauce, then refrigerate them overnight. Just pull them out and cook them in the morning—your meal will be ready when you are! This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests coming over. Enjoy the ease of prepping ahead!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your cranberry meatballs, think about what will enhance those sweet and tangy flavors! They’re fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them on a bed of quinoa for a nutty twist. And don’t forget about dipping sauces! A side of creamy ranch or zesty mustard can take things to the next level. Trust me, these meatballs will shine bright at your next gathering!
Print
Cranberry Meatballs Crockpot: 5 Blissful Flavors Await
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cranberry meatballs cooked in a crockpot for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Notes
- Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer.
- Pair with rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs
