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Cozy Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: Easy Party Recipe

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These incredibly easy crockpot meatballs combine tangy cranberry sauce and smoky BBQ sauce for a sweet, savory, and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian-style)
  • 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the cranberry sauce breaks down and the mixture is fairly smooth.
  2. Place the frozen meatballs directly into a 4-6 quart crockpot in an even layer.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat evenly.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the meatballs. If the sauce is too thin, leave the lid slightly cracked for the last 30 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot from the crockpot or transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks or small forks.

Notes

For best results, use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture. Don’t overcook as meatballs are already cooked. The sauce thickens as it sits. Can be made a day ahead and reheated. For a spicier version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, cranberry BBQ meatballs, easy party appetizer, slow cooker meatballs, holiday appetizer, game day food

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-crockpot-cranberry-bbq-meatballs-easy-party-recipe/