Cranberry Meatballs Recipe (Two Ways!)

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My Cranberry Meatballs Recipe are always a crowd favorite. Sharing TWO ways to make – homemade or an even easier slow cooker cranberry meatballs version with three ingredients.

Remember those grape jelly meatballs from the 70’s and 80’s? Those were one of my favorite recipes my Mama would make for parties as I was growing up. (Am I dating myself? Most likely, but you know what, they sure were delicious!) These cranberry meatballs are a seasonal update to that age-old classic recipe. They are perfect for fall and winter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and definitely on brisk game days for a tailgate. I think you will love them, too!

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe - An update on a classic party favorite, these sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs are always a hit! // addapinch.com

There are two ways to make my cranberry meatballs that I turn to repeatedly. I thought I’d share both ways with you so that you can decide which works best for you.

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs – My homemade cranberry meatballs that are made with homemade meatballs that slowly cook in my homemade sweet and spicy cranberry sauce.

Easy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs – My super quick and simple easy cranberry meatballs where three ingredients are dumped into the slow cooker, the timer is set, and all you have to do is serve them and enjoy!

Both versions are so delicious and perfect for busy weeknights, when entertaining, and throughout the holidays! I think you’ll love them!

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe - An update on a classic party favorite, these sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs are always a hit! // addapinch.com

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is made with homemade ingredients so you know everything that goes into this delicious dish.

  1. Homemade Meatball Ingredients: I make my homemade meatballs of lean ground beef, finely diced onion, beaten egg, milk, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Meatball Instructions: Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place them onto the prepared rack-lined baking sheet and bake until they are just done, which is about 20 minutes.
  3. Homemade Cranberry Meatball Sauce: As the meatballs are cooking, add all of the ingredients for the sauce to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  4. Serve: Serve in the slow cooker set to warm to keep warm when entertaining or in a skillet for a family meal.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe - An update on a classic party favorite, these sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs are always a hit! // addapinch.com

Easy Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

This version is made with three simple store-bought ingredients and is perfect for a quick and easy appetizer when entertaining!

  1. Ingredients: You’ll need frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and canned jellied cranberry sauce.
  2. Instructions: Add the meatballs, chili sauce, and cranberry sauce to the slow cooker on the high setting. Let warm and then stir to combine. Cook for 4 hours on low setting.
  3. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onion or parsley (optional). Serve in the slow cooker set to warm.

Storage Tips

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 or freeze for up to a month.

Here’s my Cranberry Meatballs recipe. I hope you love them – whichever way you decide to make them! Let me know which way you choose. I’d love to know!

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe

5 from 4 votes
My Cranberry Meatballs Recipe are always a crowd favorite. Sharing TWO ways to make – homemade or an even easier crockpot version with three ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Equipment

Ingredients

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs:

  • 1 (32-ounce) package frozen meatballs, I prefer turkey meatballs
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce, I prefer Heinz
  • 1 (14-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs:

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, deseeded and diced

Instructions 

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs:

  • Add the meatballs, chili sauce, and cranberry sauce to the slow cooker on the low setting. Cook for four hours on the low setting, stirring occasionally to make sure that the meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
  • Top the meatballs with chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional).
  • Reduce the temperature to the warm setting on the slow cooker and serve.

Homemade Cranberry Meatballs

  • Preheat the oven to 325º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, arrange a wire rack onto the lined baking sheet, spray the wire rack well with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Mix together ground beef, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, bread crumb, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium mixing bowl until well combined. Scoop the mixture into about tablespoon sized balls and roll firmly between palms of hand to form meatballs. Place onto the wire rack lined baking sheet.
  • Once all of the meatballs are formed, bake until the meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine all of the ingredients for the sauce in a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Arrange the cooked meatballs in a slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over the meatballs. Gently stir the meatballs to coat with the sauce. Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set on low setting to keep warm as serving.

Notes

Storage Tips:
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutritional Information is estimated based on the Homemade Cranberry Meatballs.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs Recipe - An update on a classic party favorite, these sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs are always a hit! // addapinch.com

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Recipe Review




10 Comments

  1. Linda says:

    Just made the three ingredient crockpot cranberry meatballs…..they were delicious.

  2. Carrie says:

    5 stars
    I have made the sauce recipe for pre-made meatballs on several occasions and they are always a huge hit. during the holidays I used the jalapeño cranberry meatballs from Costco. I’ll be trying the sauce with the teriyaki and pineapple meatballs from Costco tonight, along with steamed rice and vegetables. This is a keeper! One day I’ll try making the meatballs from scratch too. Thank you for sharing this!

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Thanks, Carrie. I hope you do make the meatballs sometime. They are not that hard to make and I think you would enjoy them with this sauce. Your meal for tonight sounds wonderful.

  3. Arizah Ally says:

    If I want to use previously frozen meatballs, any idea how much I’d have to use?

  4. Clenton Coleman says:

    I love your recipe for the sweet and spicy meatballs thank you so much I will always make this dish keep up the good cooking thanks!

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Clenton, thank you. I’m glad to hear that you love these meatballs. They have been a favorite around our house for years.

  5. Veena Gopalakrishna says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was delicious! We got many compliments at the Christmas potluck. Not too spicy for those who can’t handle and not too sweet. Just a great flavor.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      I’m so happy everyone loved this recipe, Veena.

  6. Brett Bellmore says:

    5 stars
    Quite good recipe, I made it for my company’s pot luck pre-Christmas lunch.

    It works well using jellied cranberry sauce in place of the juice, too.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      So glad you enjoyed it Brett! Thanks!