With just 5 minutes of prep, these crockpot meatballs simmer in a mouthwatering cranberry bbq sauce that’s perfect for a party or holiday!
When cooking for a party, who wants to deal with a bunch of complicated recipes? Not me! This crockpot meatballs recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time, and 3 ingredients!
I’m ready to slide right into slow cooker season… full of soups, chilis, and appetizers. Like these cranberry bbq crockpot meatballs!
Everyone has had some version of these meatballs at a party, and they’re always one of the most popular dishes aren’t they? Some people go for straight up bbq sauce, some do the grape jelly/chili sauce combo, but either way, they’re delicious!
My version uses a mouthwatering combination of your favorite bottled bbq sauce, and cranberry sauce.
That combination may seem odd to you… but I beg you, just try it once, and I’m sure you’ll love it!! Plus, using the cranberry sauce means you have a perfect use for any leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving.
I typically use sweet baby rays or head country bbq sauce, but go for whatever kind you like the best. Here are some great flavor mix-ups:
- Use a spicy bbq sauce
- Use a honey bbq sauce
- Add canned chipotles in adobo sauce in addition to the bbq sauce
- Caramelize some diced onion and add it alongside the meatballs
These crockpot meatballs would be perfect for so many things… a football party, New Years Eve party, appetizer dinner (love fixing those!), or a standard dinner, alongside some great mashed potatoes! How do you think you’ll serve them?
LOOKING FOR MORE APPETIZER IDEAS?
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- Sheet Pan Beef Nachos
- Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels
- Bourbon Cider Boneless Wings
For this recipe, I’ve kept it pretty simple and easy, since most of us are in a rush pretty much from now until… hmmm…. January?
I used frozen meatballs from the grocery store, but feel free to substitute your own homemade meatballs if you’d like! Just brown and cook them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Who’s ready for about 8000 of those meatballs?? Okay, not 8000, but I guarantee you can’t have just one! 😉
HELPFUL TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:
- Slow Cooker – I’ve had this one for years and it works like a champ, yet is inexpensive!
- BBQ Sauce – this is the sauce we use the most.
- Cranberry Sauce – I prefer this jellied version, but the whole berry version works too!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen appetizer size meatballs, thawed (approximately 60-65 meatballs)
- 17 oz bottle of your favorite bbq sauce
- 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce (or equivalent amount of homemade cranberry sauce)
- fresh parsley, minced optional garnish
- black pepper, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together bbq and cranberry sauce. Set aside.
- Add thawed meatballs to bottom of slow cooker, pour sauce over top and stir to combine.
- Cover, and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. For a more glaze-like consistency, take the lid off during the last 30 minutes to an hour.
- If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and pepper.
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Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Jenny says
Would chicken meatballs work?
The Chunky Chef says
They should 🙂
Breanna Begley says
What type of bbq did you use?
The Chunky Chef says
I typically use Head Country or Kinders bbq
Karen says
You say above the recipe to brown and pre-cook frozen meatballs before adding to the crockpot but then in the recipe you say to just thaw them and add to the crockpot. Which is correct?
The Chunky Chef says
The note about browning and cooking the meatballs refers to using homemade meatballs. If you’re using frozen meatballs as indicated in the recipe, just thaw and add to the crockpot.
Brenda Burkham says
Superb! A huge hit with the wedding guests!
Michelle says
One of my favorite appetizers to serve at Christmas! Super easy and such a showstopper. If I made these meatballs and nothing else for the holidays my family would be happy.
Geneva says
Can you Italian meatballs for this recipe I accidentally bought the wrong ones
The Chunky Chef says
I’m not sure if the seasonings and flavors of the meatballs would work well with this sauce.
Kathy says
If I don’t have 3- 4 hours for the crock pot, can I put it on high for 2 hours?
The Chunky Chef says
I haven’t tried it, but you’re welcome to give it a shot 🙂
Stephanie Mitchell says
Curious if you tried and did this work? I worry they might burn??
Peg says
Huge hit