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!
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!
Homemade Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is made with homemade ingredients so you know everything that goes into this delicious dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Serve in the slow cooker set to warm to keep warm when entertaining or in a skillet for a family meal.
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!
- Ingredients: You’ll need frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and canned jellied cranberry sauce.
- 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.
- 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
Equipment
- Slow Cooker for Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
- Skillet for Homemade Cranberry Meatballs
- Baking Sheet for Homemade Cranberry Meatballs
- Wire Rack for Homemade Cranberry Meatballs
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Just made the three ingredient crockpot cranberry meatballs…..they were delicious.
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!
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.
If I want to use previously frozen meatballs, any idea how much I’d have to use?
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!
Clenton, thank you. I’m glad to hear that you love these meatballs. They have been a favorite around our house for years.
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.
I’m so happy everyone loved this recipe, Veena.
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.
So glad you enjoyed it Brett! Thanks!