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Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

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My Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs with Ocean Spray cranberry jelly and chili sauce are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and sour flavors. They make the perfect appetizer at any family gathering or party.

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

When it comes to simplicity you can’t beat my Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs. However, don’t let the simple cook fool you, these Cranberry Meatballs with Chili Sauce are packed full of flavor. They are a real crowd pleaser any time I serve them. Just toss them in the Crock Pot with the flavorings, and you’ll be all set when it’s time to serve.

My 3-ingredient Cranberry Meatballs are made using frozen meatballs, then cranberry sauce and chili sauce are added to intensify the sweet and spicy flavors in the dish.

I’m all for any shortcut that helps me spend a little less time in the kitchen, particularly during the busy holiday season. So go simple and buy frozen meatballs like I have here. Alternatively, you can make my Homemade Meatballs, or go with your own favorite meatball recipe.

You can easily change up the flavor by using different jellies to cook them in. I like to change up flavors, depending on the season. Cranberry season is approaching, so it’s a great time to serve these Cranberry Meatballs with Ocean Spray cranberry jelly.

How to make my Crock Pot Cranberry Meatball recipe:

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
  • Place frozen meatballs in the bowl of the slow cooker.
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and cranberry sauce.
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
  • Pour sauce over the top of the meatballs.
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
  • Cook meatballs on low for four hours or high for two hours, stirring halfway through the cook time.

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Recipe ingredients & flavor variations:

  • MEATBALLS: to make this cook a whole lot easier I often opt for frozen meatballs, which you should be able to find in the freezer section in your local supermarket. They can be any meat flavor: pork; beef; turkey or chicken. Use the flavor of meatball that your family enjoy eating. You can also make your own Homemade Meatballs, which I do when I have time. Alternatively, buy fresh meatballs from the meat counter. If using fresh meatballs just ensure that you brown them first before adding to the crock pot.
  • CHILI SAUCE: adds the heat to these spicy cranberry meatballs. Use any variety of chili sauce, as hot or mild as you like. I like to use Heinz Chili Sauce
  • CRANBERRY SAUCE: I add a can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, which gives the chili cranberry meatballs a lovely smooth coating. You can also use regular cranberry sauce if you prefer.

Recipe tips:

  • Frozen meatballs are the ideal addition to this dish as they are already pre-cooked, so you can pop them straight into the crock pot and not worry about having to defrost first.
  • If you want to use fresh meatballs, just ensure that you brown them first before adding the sauces to the crock pot.
  • Swap up the flavors and use different flavored sauces to create different flavored meatballs.
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

How to make Chili Cranberry Meatballs on the Stove?

If you want to make my chili cranberry meatballs on the stove that’s no problem.

  • Place the meatballs into a non stick skillet and gently heat them up over a medium heat.
  • Add the chili and cranberry sauces to the pan and stir until the sauces are well combined and the meatballs coats.
  • Now reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is sticking to the meatballs.

What to serve with Cranberry Meatballs:

My Spicy Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect finger food and I like to serve them at parties and family gatherings with a host of other tasty appetizers.

They work a treat with sauerkraut, the blend of sweet, sour and spicy flavors creating a real explosion of flavor. Or how about adding some French Onion Dip, the coolness of the dip balancing out the sweet and spicy cranberry meatballs.

Can I make ahead Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs?

My crock pot cranberry meatballs are a great make ahead dish. Once cooked allow the meatballs to cool completely then decant into an airtight container with a tight fitting lid. Store the meatballs in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and when ready to serve place in a pot and warm up gently on the stove.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Spicy Cranberry Meatballs?

If using frozen meatballs:

As frozen meatballs have already been frozen you cannot refreeze them!

If using fresh meatballs:

However, if you have replaced the frozen meatballs with either homemade or fresh meatballs, then the whole dish can be made and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat simply remove from the freezer and defrost thoroughly before place in a pot on the stove and warming up over a medium heat.

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
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Yield: 26

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

My Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs with Ocean Spray cranberry jelly and chili sauce are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and sour flavors. They make the perfect appetizer at any family gathering or party.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 26- ounce package frozen meatballs
  • 1 12- ounce bottle chili sauce
  • 1 15.5- ounce can jellied cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Place frozen meatballs in the bowl of the slow cooker.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and cranberry sauce.
  3. Pour sauce over the top of the meatballs.
  4. Cook meatballs on low for four hours or high for two hours, stirring halfway through cook time.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

26

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 364mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 5g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment below & if you recreate this recipe, be sure to share a photo on Instagram. Tag me @when.is.dinner and hashtag #whenisdinner!

These are a few items I find helpful when preparing these Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs in my own kitchen:

Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel (SCCPVL600S)Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel (SCCPVL600S)Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel (SCCPVL600S)Mom Made Meatballs - Beef & Cheddar Meatballs, Antibiotic-free, Healthy frozen meals made in the USA, 8oz (8 pack)Mom Made Meatballs – Beef & Cheddar Meatballs, Antibiotic-free, Healthy frozen meals made in the USA, 8oz (8 pack)Mom Made Meatballs - Beef & Cheddar Meatballs, Antibiotic-free, Healthy frozen meals made in the USA, 8oz (8 pack)Shape+Store Master Meatball Making Tool, 32 (1 oz Each), Deep BlueShape+Store Master Meatball Making Tool, 32 (1 oz Each), Deep BlueShape+Store Master Meatball Making Tool, 32 (1 oz Each), Deep BlueHeinz Chili Sauce,12oz, (Pack of 3)Heinz Chili Sauce,12oz, (Pack of 3)Heinz Chili Sauce,12oz, (Pack of 3)Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce (Pack of 4) 8 oz Mini CansOcean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce (Pack of 4) 8 oz Mini CansOcean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce (Pack of 4) 8 oz Mini CansThe Complete Meatball Cookbook: Over 200 Mouthwatering Recipes--From Classic Italian Meatballs to Asian-Spiced VariationsThe Complete Meatball Cookbook: Over 200 Mouthwatering Recipes–From Classic Italian Meatballs to Asian-Spiced VariationsThe Complete Meatball Cookbook: Over 200 Mouthwatering Recipes--From Classic Italian Meatballs to Asian-Spiced Variations50 Ways to Make a Meatball: The 50 Most Delicious Meatball Recipes (Recipe Top 50's Book 66)50 Ways to Make a Meatball: The 50 Most Delicious Meatball Recipes (Recipe Top 50’s Book 66)50 Ways to Make a Meatball: The 50 Most Delicious Meatball Recipes (Recipe Top 50's Book 66)125 Best Ground Meat Recipes: From Meatballs to Chilis, Casseroles and More125 Best Ground Meat Recipes: From Meatballs to Chilis, Casseroles and More125 Best Ground Meat Recipes: From Meatballs to Chilis, Casseroles and More

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LeAnn Harbert

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

These would be a good appetizer if you liked cranberry.

Ashley Chassereau Parks

Sunday 10th of November 2019

Yum!! My mom makes something like this for baby showers and wedding showers! I love using the crockpot for a special party or event, so this is definitely something I'd like to try the next time I'm hosting something special! I think these look great and would be a hit with everyone!

Sarah Hayes

Sunday 10th of November 2019

I wish I had some of these right now! what a great recipe

Clem

Tuesday 5th of November 2019

Interesting combination, would love to try it

Mary Gardner

Tuesday 5th of November 2019

This sounds like a delicious and interesting sauce for meatballs.

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