Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Tender and full of flavor, these Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect appetizer to make for your guests this holiday season. Easy, tasty and mouthwatering!

Prep Time15

Cook Time5 15

Total Time5 30

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 98kcal

Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

2 large eggs well beaten
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 pounds lean ground beef

For the sauce:

14 ounces jellied cranberry sauce
12 ounces chili sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, parsley, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the beef and mix it well with the ingredients. It’s easier to do this by hand.
Take 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. I find using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop easiest. Place them on the prepared sheet tray not touching.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Place the meatballs into the body of a 6-quart or similar-sized slow cooker, set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar. It may not become smooth but some lumps are okay.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Stir so the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
Place the slow cooker on low temp for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so to make sure the sauce doesn’t burn.
Garnish with more parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use store bought meatballs if you don't want to make your own.
Ground beef can be swapped out for other meat choices, see suggestions above.
You can double this recipe if needed, just be sure your slow cooker is big enough.
Serve these at a party and keep on warm if needed. Be sure to stir them often.
These are tender meatballs, be careful when stirring them so you don't break them.
If you want some heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the meatball mix. If you want even more heat, add your favorite hot sauce to the cranberry sauce.
These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.

Nutrition