Meatballs get a festive fall twist in these delicious Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs. Just 5 minutes prep time is needed for these sweet, savory and tangy meatballs. Let your slow cooker do the work!
What I love about this recipe is that it’s so hassle-free to prepare and everyone always raves about these meatballs. They’re also delicious in sub rolls for an easy dinner (I love them topped with shredded mozzarella!).
What You’ll Need
- Fully cooked frozen meatballs – There is no need to thaw.
- Cranberry sauce – You can use canned or homemade cranberry sauce.
- Chili sauce – Typically found on the same aisle as bottled barbecue sauce.
- Honey
- Red pepper – I only use a pinch, but feel free to add more if you love heat!
- Garlic powder – Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference.
How to Prepare
- Combine the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, honey, pepper and garlic powder in a medium bowl by whisking or stirring.
- Add the meatballs to your slow cooker insert. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir to coat as evenly as possible.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or high heat for 2 to 2 ½ hours (or until meatballs are heated through).
Watch the video below to see just how easy these meatballs are to prepare!
Video: Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
Storage
Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Enjoy!
More Cranberry Deliciousness
Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
Meatballs get a festive fall twist in these delicious cranberry meatballs. Just 5 minutes prep time needed!
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Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds fully cooked frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Whisk or stir together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, honey, cayenne pepper and garlic powder in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
- Place meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour in sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 2 ½ hours (or until meatballs are heated through).
- Stir again before serving and serve warm.
Notes
- To store: Allow meatballs to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 424mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!
WOW!! The cranberry chili sauce meatballs are so delicious. I love the dish which is so easy to make. I’m a lover of cranberries and tomatoes. I never thought of working them together. Truly an awesome dish. I’m to pass on to my kids for them to enjoy as well. Thank you for a great recipe.
Thank you Larry, I’m so glad you enjoyed the meatballs and hope your kids enjoy them as well!
Yummy! Always a staple!
These Cranberry Meatballs are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Everyone always raves about them!
Going to make these tomorrow…can’t wait…huge cranberry lover 🙂 Thanks, Amy 🙂
I hope you enjoy the meatballs, Mike! Happy New Year!
This is a spin off of the old faithful grape jelly and Chile sauce recipe. I’m gonna try it this Sunday for a brunch bring a dish. It sounds delicious and I know it will be good because I’ve made the grape jelly one tons of times. Can’t wait!
Thanks so much, Donna – I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years! 🙂
Can I use sicilian style meatballs, they already come with spice.
Hi Esther, I haven’t tried this recipe using Sicilian meatballs but think they would be fine to use. Let us know how it turns out! 🙂
How many people does this recipe serve. And also any ideas what to serve on the side
Hi Lorna, this recipe yields 2 pounds of meatballs. It depends on whether you’re using them for subs or as an appetizer. It’s hard to say the serving size (if served as an appetizer, it depends on your guest’s appetite). If served in sub rolls for dinner, I’d say this would be approximately 4-6 servings.
Can put fresh meat balls instead of frozen
Can you place the meatballs in frozen and let it cook in a slow cooker all day for anout 8 hours
Hi Pauline, I’ve never tested this recipe with frozen meatballs so I can’t say with complete certainty. Hope you enjoy if you make these meatballs! 🙂
Hi Pauline – I made these and did not thaw the meatballs. They came out delicious.
Thanks, Nancy! 🙂
What type of hot sauce do you use?
Hi Nancy, it’s chili sauce. I used Heinz but there are definitely other brands. Here is the link to it. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Hi Amy – I’m so glad I asked. I was about to put a whole bottle of siracha in there! I had never even heard of chili sauce before. They came out perfect – thank you!
Hi Nancy, Oh noooooooo! I’m laughing about the sriracha (that would have been HOT to say the least!). So happy to hear you enjoyed the meatballs! 🙂
Yum! That looks perfect!
Thanks so much, Arthur… they were so easy and delicious! 🙂
Are they spicy?
Hi Leah! No, not really… they’re very savory. Hope you enjoy them if you make them! 🙂
Thank you The Blond Cook for giving and showing these great recipes!!
Thanks so much! 🙂