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Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs: A 3-Ingredient Holiday Appetizer Recipe

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4 from 58 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 16 servings

Description

These slow cooker cranberry meatballs combine sweet jellied cranberry sauce with tangy chili sauce to create a delicious and easy 3-ingredient appetizer perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, these meatballs are flavorful and tender, and can be served on their own or over rice with fresh green onions and cilantro for an extra touch.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50)

Sauce

  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
  • 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1-2 Tablespoons light brown sugar (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Combine Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together the 12-ounce bottle of chili sauce and the 14-ounce can of jellied cranberry sauce. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir to fully combine. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce and stir well.
  2. Assemble in Crockpot: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs in the bottom of a crockpot. Pour the prepared cranberry chili sauce over the meatballs and stir gently until all meatballs are coated evenly with the sauce.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours until meatballs are heated through and flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Serve: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer on their own or spoon them over cooked rice for a main dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if desired for added freshness and flavor.
  5. Leave Feedback: After making the recipe, please leave a comment and rating to share your experience!

Notes

  • If you prefer oven baking, place meatballs in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Substitute chili sauce with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor or replace jellied cranberry sauce with grape jelly to create chili sauce meatballs.
  • Use leftover cranberry sauce from holidays instead of the canned jellied cranberry.
  • Add a dash of white vinegar for an extra sour kick if desired.
  • Sweeten the sauce further by adding brown sugar and a splash of orange juice.
  • For a lighter option, use turkey or chicken meatballs.
  • Try using other meats such as wings or mini hotdogs (little smokies) instead of meatballs.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with sauce in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days to maintain flavor.
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/crockpot-cranberry-meatballs-a-3-ingredient-holiday-appetizer-recipe/