Crock Pot Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce
Perfectly tender meatballs infused with a sweet and savory cranberry sauce that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker—ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner. The ground chicken provides a lighter, juicy alternative, while the flavor-packed sauce elevates every bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 2 lbs |
| Ground Chicken | 2 lbs |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp |
| Garlic Powder | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Tomato Juice | 1 cup |
| Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Ground Ginger | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 451.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 123.6 mg |
| Sodium | 770.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 33.1 g |
| Protein | 25.6 g |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (8-10 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Recipe Instructions:
-
Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the meatballs get a perfect crispy exterior when baked, which will later absorb the flavorful cranberry sauce as they cook in the crock pot. -
-
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground chicken. The combination of both meats ensures your meatballs are tender but flavorful. Add in the egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These seasonings will give the meatballs their aromatic flavor base.Using your hands, mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. The texture should be firm but not dry. If it feels a bit sticky, add a small amount of breadcrumbs to get a workable consistency.
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Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter for appetizers or slightly larger for a main course. The size of the meatballs affects the cooking time, so adjust as needed. -
Bake the Meatballs:
Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. This step helps to lock in moisture and flavor. -
Transfer to Crock Pot:
Once baked, drain any excess fat from the meatballs, then transfer them directly into your crock pot. The slow cooker will work its magic, infusing the meatballs with a rich, savory flavor from the cranberry sauce. -
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ketchup, tomato juice, whole berry cranberry sauce, chopped onion, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the cranberry sauce, sugar, and ketchup will perfectly complement the savory meatballs. -
Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs:
Carefully pour the prepared cranberry sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot. Use a spoon to gently mix them, ensuring the meatballs are well-coated in the sauce. -
Slow Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, while on high, the dish will cook faster while still delivering a delicious result.During cooking, the meatballs will soak up the tangy sweetness of the sauce, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The crock pot ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them hot. These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for parties or as a main dish paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips for Best Results:
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Make Ahead:
For a quicker weeknight meal, prepare the meatballs and cranberry sauce the night before. Store the uncooked meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, and pour the sauce over them before turning on the crock pot in the morning. -
Flavor Variations:
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few chili flakes to the sauce. For an extra depth of flavor, try substituting the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. -
Storage:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
These Crock Pot Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce are a deliciously satisfying and easy-to-make dish that brings together savory meatballs and a sweet, tangy cranberry sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Enjoy tender, flavorful meatballs that melt in your mouth, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking.
