Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
User Reviews
5
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
Description
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot) features frozen, fully cooked meatballs simmered in a blend of cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce, sometimes enriched with Worcestershire sauce. The cranberry component may be homemade with fresh cranberries, bourbon, spices, and orange zest, or canned whole berry cranberry sauce, which lends a pleasant texture to the dish. Cooking the meatballs slowly in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld while keeping the meatballs tender.
The method includes coating the meatballs well with the sauce, and cooking on low or high heat in the crockpot, with occasional stirring. Alternative cooking options provided are stovetop or oven methods for more flexibility. The combination of barbecue and cranberry creates a sweet and smoky flavor profile that complements the savory meatballs.
This recipe suits those seeking a flavorful make-ahead party snack or appetizer and can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and mild freshness. Using frozen precooked meatballs simplifies preparation, and the sauce can be adjusted by swapping in chili sauce or various fruit preserves for variation.
The recipe includes guidance for proper reheating and freezing, recommending storing leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to five days or freezing for up to three months. When reheating, adding a little water or sauce helps maintain moisture. The recipe notes also advise on variations such as cranberry jalapeño meatballs for a spicy kick and substitution ideas for cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds meatballs frozen, fully cooked
- 1 cup cranberry sauce canned or homemade (see below, whole berry
- 1-1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce use your favorite brand, I love Bone Suckin' Sauce
Optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- parsley chopped, or chives, for garnish
OPTIONAL Homemade Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- 12 ounce cranberries fresh, rinsed and soft ones removed
- 1-1 ½ cups sugar More for sweeter sauce, I used less for this recipe
- ¾ - 1 cup water use full cup if not using bourbon
- ¼ cup bourbon optional, if using, use ¾ cup of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 large navel orange zested and cut in half
- 4 clove whole
Instructions
Cranberry Sauce Instructions, if making
- In a medium saucepan combine cranberries, sugar, bourbon, water and zest. Push two cloves into each half of the orange and push down into the cranberry mixture.
- Stir over medium heat until cranberries start to burst, about 10 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer for about another 10 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick and orange halves. May be made up to 5 days ahead of time, cooled completely and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Cranberry Meatballs
- Mix together cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce and if using Worcestershire sauce in the bottom of a 6 quart or larger crockpot. Stir in frozen meatballs making sure to coat well.
- Cover and cook: LOW 3-4 hours HIGH 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cut parsley or chives, serve hot. See below for how to make on stovetop or oven.
Notes
- For stovetop cooking, combine sauce ingredients and meatballs in a heavy pot and heat over low for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to warm through.
- Oven method involves baking meatballs coated in sauce in a covered dish at 325°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through; adjust time for larger meatballs.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days or frozen up to 3 months; reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to keep moist.
- To vary the flavor, substitute barbecue sauce with chili sauce or try different fruit preserves such as grape, strawberry, or orange marmalade instead of cranberry sauce.
- Adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes provides heat to the basic cranberry meatball sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15-20 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3meatballs | |
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 44mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 347mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 302mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 38g | 76% |
| Vitamin A | 119IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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