Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs
User Reviews
5
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs
Description
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs blend equal parts ground beef and pork sausage with breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika, formed into small, tightly rolled meatballs. After browning each batch in a skillet, the meatballs are transferred to a slow cooker and simmered in a sauce made from whole berry cranberry sauce, jalapeno jelly or hot pepper jam, and barbecue sauce. Slow cooking melds these flavors and keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
The resulting dish features meatballs with a browned exterior and a juicy interior, complemented by a sticky sauce that balances sweetness from the cranberry and jelly with smoky and tangy barbecue notes. The slow cooker method allows hands-off cooking and infuses the meatballs with a flavorful glaze.
This dish serves well as a party appetizer, cocktail hour accompaniment, or a casual main served alongside bread or rice. It’s practical for prepping in advance, making it convenient for entertaining or everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 egg large
- 1/3 cup onion shaved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14 ounces cranberry sauce whole berry
- 9.5 ounces jalapeno jelly or hot pepper jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and paprika. Mix until very even and smooth.
- Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Roll the meat mixture into tight ball, 1 1/4-inch wide. Place them in the skillet and brown on all sides.
- Once the meatballs are cooked on the outside, move them to 4 quart slow cooker. Continue rolling and browning until all the meatballs are in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the cranberry sauce, pepper jelly, and barbecue sauce. Cover and set on low for at least 3 hours, or on high for at least 1 1/2 hours.
- Set the slow cooker on warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use two pounds of frozen meatballs and add the sauces directly to the crockpot, cooking on low for at least four hours.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1meatball | |
| Calories | 91kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 234mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 88mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 65IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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