Effortless Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe!

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Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to bring some serious flavor to your kitchen! Get ready to dive into the deliciousness that is Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs. This is where tangy meets savory, and easy meets incredible.

I was taste-testing recipes for a game night when this delicious combo was born. My friends went absolutely crazy! Their faces lit up with each bite. I knew I had stumbled upon something special. This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe has become a crowd-pleaser ever since.

This isn’t just any meatball recipe; it’s a flavor adventure! I’m talking about juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet, tangy, and smoky cranberry BBQ sauce. This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe is pure comfort food with a twist. It’s like a party in your mouth.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! We’re talking about a dump-and-go recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. Seriously, these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are about to become your new go-to appetizer or main course.

Ready to transform your next meal into something truly special? I’m so excited to share my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe with you. Let’s get cooking and turn up the flavor!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You won’t believe how easy it is to throw this together.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce: This is the base for our sweet and tangy sauce.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for that smoky depth.
  • 1/2 cup chili sauce: This adds a touch of spice and complexity.
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: For that essential tang!
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This gives the sauce a savory punch.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is what brings the smoky BBQ flavor!
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic.
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds another layer of savory goodness.
  • 1 (24-ounce) bag frozen meatballs: You can use beef, pork, turkey, or a combination!
Ingredients for Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

No worries if you don’t have smoked paprika. Regular paprika will work just fine, or add a dash of liquid smoke! You can grab these ingredients during your normal shopping trip.

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs gets its amazing taste from the combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

Here’s my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs secret that takes it from good to incredible: a dash of hot sauce! I love adding a little kick. I add a tablespoon of my favorite hot sauce to my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs for that extra kick!

Storage tips for freshness: You can store leftover Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – watch the magic happen! Let’s get started!

  1. First, grab your slow cooker. Pour in the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic starts happening! The aroma is already getting good.
  3. Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce so they are evenly coated. Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker. In my kitchen, this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs usually takes about 5 hours on low to reach that perfect saucy tenderness.
  5. Check on the meatballs occasionally. Give them a gentle stir to make sure they are cooking evenly and not sticking to the bottom. Don’t worry if your Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs looks a little saucy at first, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
  6. Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened, they are ready to serve! This is where the magic really happens.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor, more apple cider vinegar for tanginess, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. I always add a little extra hot sauce! This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is all about customizing it to your taste.

While your Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right now. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs hits the table with some toothpicks for easy snacking! Seriously, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit.

Here’s how I love to enjoy this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs:

  • As an appetizer: Serve them straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings.
  • Over rice or mashed potatoes: For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
  • In sliders: Pile the meatballs onto slider buns for a fun and delicious twist. Top with coleslaw or your favorite toppings.
  • With mac and cheese: This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs with mac and cheese is a match made in heaven! The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy meatballs.

For bold flavor pairings that complement perfectly, try serving these meatballs with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple salad. These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

People go crazy for these! I once brought this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs to a potluck and they were gone in minutes! Everyone was asking for the recipe. It was a total hit!

For a fusion variation you’ve experimented with, try adding a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce to the slow cooker for an Asian-inspired twist.

FAQs:

Here are some common questions I get about this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. If you can dump ingredients into a slow cooker, you can make this!
What if I mess up my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
It’s hard to mess this up! But even if you add a little too much of one ingredient, it will still taste delicious. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very forgiving.
How can I prep this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs for busy weeknights?
You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time. Just mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
I haven’t tested this recipe with fresh cranberries, but it should work! You may need to add a little sugar or honey to sweeten the sauce.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add an extra layer of flavor to this dish. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can also make these meatballs on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can! Try adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or pineapple to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs brings me joy because it’s so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a delicious way to use up leftover cranberry sauce!

Here are My Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Flavor Secrets:

  1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
  2. Add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
  3. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Here are some delicious Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs variations I’ve tested:

  • Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
  • Pineapple Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Add chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
  • Honey Garlic Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of honey and a clove of minced garlic to the slow cooker for a sweet and savory flavor.

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. Or if you like the original check out these Cranberry Meatballs.

Speaking of variations, another version I came across was at Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – The Chunky Chef. The Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatball … is a great option and then of course you can always find new inspiration at Cranberry Meatballs (Stovetop or Slow Cooker) + Video

Trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it.

I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures! Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal that will impress your family and friends. Try this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe and let me know what you think! 🔥💕🍕

Delicious Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs served in a bowl

 
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Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Print Recipe

These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer or main course. Simply combine frozen meatballs with cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce for an easy and delicious meal.

  • Author: Nyla
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 185 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 (12 ounce) package frozen fully cooked meatballs

Instructions

  1. In a slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
  2. Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
  3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through. Stir occasionally.
  4. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course over rice or mashed potatoes.

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