Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Prepare to have your taste buds absolutely rocked because I’m about to drop the recipe for my latest obsession: Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs! This isn’t your grandma’s meatball recipe (unless your grandma is a culinary rebel, in which case, respect!). We’re talking a flavor explosion that’s sweet, tangy, smoky, and downright addictive.

I spent weeks perfecting this recipe, tweaking the cranberry to BBQ ratio until it reached peak deliciousness. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and now I’m bursting at the seams to share it with you. Get ready to transform your next party (or weeknight dinner!) into a flavor fiesta.

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! The secret to epic Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is using apple cider vinegar instead of regular white vinegar! You’ll find the best BBQ sauce for this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs at your local butcher! Splurge on the good BBQ sauce; trust me. I have learned some great things by trial and error!

• 2 lbs Frozen Meatballs: Don’t skimp on quality! Find the best all-beef or Italian-style meatballs you can.
• 1 (14 oz) can Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry is my go-to for the texture, but jellied works in a pinch.
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite! I like a smoky, Kansas City-style sauce for this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.
• 1/2 cup Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: This is our secret weapon for that perfect tangy bite.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce: For that umami depth that elevates everything.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: For that extra smoky BBQ flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder: More flavor depth!
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get this party started! First, grab your trusty crockpot. No need to grease it or anything – we’re all about easy cleanup here.
2. Dump those frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Don’t worry about thawing them; that’s the beauty of this slow cooker meatballs recipe!
3. Now, for the flavor explosion! In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!).
4. Pour that glorious Cranberry BBQ sauce all over the meatballs, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Don’t be shy – we want every single meatball swimming in that deliciousness.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are ready when the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir the Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs occasionally during cooking to make sure everything is evenly coated and prevent sticking. This also helps to release all those amazing aromas!
7. Pro tip for Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs perfection: after cooking, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken even further. This step is optional, but it takes the flavor to the next level!
8. Taste test your Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs! Add more red pepper flakes if you want more spice.

Here’s where most people mess up their Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – but not you! Don’t overcook! The Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs should look gloriously saucy and smell like a flavor carnival. In my kitchen, this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs takes exactly 4 hours on low. While your Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

Okay, flavor fanatics, let’s talk presentation because we eat with our eyes first, right? These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are versatile, so you have tons of options.

• Classic Appetizer: Serve them straight from the crockpot with toothpicks for easy grabbing. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
• Meatball Subs: Pile those Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs onto toasted hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese. This is a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting and flavorful dinner, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Pizza Topping: Get creative and use these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs as a topping for your next homemade pizza. Trust me, it’s amazing.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs at holiday parties! This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs absolutely slays at dinner parties! Pair these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

For another flavor explosion, check out these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs.

FAQs:

• Can I make this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs spicier?

  Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. I experimented with a few different hot sauces during my testing, and a chipotle-based sauce added a great smoky heat to these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.

• What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

  In a pinch, you can use white vinegar, but the apple cider vinegar really adds a depth of flavor that you’ll miss. If you have balsamic vinegar on hand, that would also work in a pinch.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

  I haven’t tested this recipe with fresh cranberries, but I think it would work! You’d need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency before adding them to the crockpot.

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef meatballs?

  Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken meatballs! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry meatballs tend to cook faster than beef. Try these Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, as well!

• How do I know when my Crockpot Meatballs are perfectly done?

  The meatballs are done when they’re heated through and the sauce has thickened. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F. The Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs should be easy to pierce with a fork and the sauce should coat the meatballs nicely.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

  Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cook the meatballs in the crockpot and then keep them warm on the “warm” setting for several hours.

• Can I freeze leftover Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?

  Yes! Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or crockpot. Community feedback has been so positive about the freezability of these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs! It gives me great joy to know that I could change peoples lives in the kitchen.

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy cooking, and celebration-worthy meals! It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more.

My Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Power Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces! Each sauce will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Variations I’ve Created:

1. Spicy Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Add a chopped jalapeno to the sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Cranberry-Orange BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Add the zest of one orange to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
3. Cranberry-Maple BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Substitute maple syrup for the ketchup for a sweeter and more complex flavor.
4. Asian Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Use soy sauce and ginger in the place of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Drizzle Sriracha on top for added heat.

The Spicy Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs always get the biggest reactions! They are amazing!

I have complete confidence that you can nail this recipe! Make this Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs your signature dish and share the flavor love. Don’t forget to tag me in your creations – I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! Let’s get cooking and create some unforgettable Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs memories!

If this Crockpot meatballs recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken!

Get ready to make these holiday meatballs!

Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

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These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer or main course, perfect for parties or a cozy weeknight meal. The sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce coats the meatballs beautifully, creating a delicious dish that’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Total Time: 245 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 (28 ounce) bag frozen cooked meatballs
• 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Place frozen meatballs in a slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main course over rice or mashed potatoes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.