Irresistible Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

The rich aroma of Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs wafts through your kitchen, teasing your taste buds with its sweet and tangy promise. Imagine delving into a plate filled with tender meatballs, smothered in a luscious cranberry sauce that dances between savory and sweet, creating a flavor explosion that’s utterly irresistible.

These delightful bites are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, bringing back memories of family holidays where laughter fills the air and everyone gathers around the table. With each bite, you’ll experience nostalgia wrapped in a delicious package, making it hard to resist going back for seconds… or thirds.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to create juicy meatballs without excess grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Fresh or dried breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture while adding texture.
• Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder, keeping your meatballs moist and flavorful.
• Cranberry Sauce: A can of your favorite cranberry sauce adds sweetness and flavor; homemade works too if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce enhances the savory undertones without overwhelming saltiness.
• Onion Powder: A sprinkle brings depth to the meat mixture that complements the cranberry sauce beautifully.

For the Garnish:

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch on your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. It’s best to use your hands here; just think of it as a meaty spa day.

Step 2: Shape Those Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs—try not to think about how many calories are in those golf balls while you do it. Place them gently into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Whip Up That Sauce

In another bowl (you can handle one more), mix together cranberry sauce and soy sauce until smooth. Feel free to add some sriracha if you like it spicy! Pour this magical concoction over the meatballs.

Step 4: Slow Cook Away

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about five hours or high for three hours. You could use this time to catch up on Netflix or contemplate life choices—your call!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once cooked through and smelling absolutely divine, carefully transfer those meatballs onto plates. Drizzle with extra sauce from the cooker if you’re feeling saucy!

Step 6: Garnish Like a Pro

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Not only does it look fancy but also gives off those gourmet vibes that impress everyone at dinner.

Now grab some toothpicks or serve over rice for an incredible meal! Enjoy every bite of these unforgettable Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ground meat with breadcrumbs and spices before forming the meatballs. While they bake, prepare your cranberry sauce on the stove for maximum flavor infusion. Finally, let those beauties simmer in the slow cooker to soak up all that deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out meat types—turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options work wonders here! Experiment with different sauces like barbecue or sweet chili for a unique twist. Add veggies like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Allow leftover meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

A few years back, I whipped up these Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs for a holiday party. The way my friends devoured them left me feeling like a culinary rockstar, and I knew I had struck gold with this recipe!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs?

To make Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs, gather ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, an egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For the sauce, you will need cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the meatballs perfectly. Make sure to mix everything well before cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs?

Cooking Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat in your slow cooker. The longer cooking time at low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s essential to check that the meatballs are cooked through and tender before serving them. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen meatballs for your Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs. Simply add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker along with your sauce ingredients. The cooking time may slightly increase since the meatballs are frozen, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This option makes preparation even easier and quicker!

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs?

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs pair wonderfully with various sides. You can serve them over rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Alternatively, they make great appetizers when served with toothpicks at parties. Fresh vegetables or a simple salad can complement this dish nicely as well. Choose sides that balance out the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs:

In summary, Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines ease of preparation with rich flavors. Using simple ingredients like ground meat and sauces results in a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a main dish or an appetizer, and feel free to customize sides according to your preferences. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a must-try in your slow cooker repertoire!

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are tender, flavorful bites drenched in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
2. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them gently in the slow cooker.
3. In another bowl, mix cranberry sauce and soy sauce until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for about 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
6. Once cooked through, carefully transfer meatballs to plates and drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Feel free to experiment with different meats such as turkey or chicken. Adding sriracha can spice up your sauce! Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.