Transform your next gathering with these irresistibly sweet and tangy Slow Cooker Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs! This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender, juicy frozen meatballs with a luscious sauce made from jellied cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, a touch of honey, and warming spices like garlic and onion powder. The slow cooker handles all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy your event while the flavors meld into perfection. With just 5 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, this versatile dish can be served as a stress-free appetizer or a hearty main course over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, or any casual get-together, these saucy meatballs are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Pour the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn the slow cooker to the 'keep warm' setting.
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a main dish.
Calories |
3897 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.7 g | 250% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.9 g | 374% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 534 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 11584 mg | 504% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 421.5 g | 153% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 321.6 g | ||
| Protein | 131.9 g | 264% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 581 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 3179 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.