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- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For these meatballs, I love using ground beef or turkey. They both bring great flavor. The breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Parmesan cheese adds a tasty kick, making each bite special. Just mix these main ingredients together in a bowl to start. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry) - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Seasoning is key for flavor. Garlic and onion powder add depth to the meatballs. The cranberry sauce gives a sweet and tangy element. BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor. Worcestershire sauce ties everything together with its unique taste. Mix these sauces well for a rich coating. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Garnishing makes a dish look good. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a fresh taste that balances the rich meatballs. Just sprinkle some on top right before serving, and you're all set! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing your ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until everything is just combined. This step is key for keeping your meatballs tender. Next, form the mixture into meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball in a single layer in your slow cooker. This helps them cook evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until you have a smooth, even mixture. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatballs, making them truly special. Now, pour the cranberry BBQ mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure to coat all the meatballs well. This helps them absorb all the amazing flavors while cooking. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cooking on low makes the meatballs super tender. When they are done, you will know they are cooked through and full of flavor. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for that extra touch! To make great meatballs, start with the right texture. Breadcrumbs help keep them moist. Use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for the best results. If your meatballs feel too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, use less. This balance is key. You can adjust spices to your taste. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of herbs for extra flavor. The basic mix is great, but feel free to experiment! When serving, use a decorative bowl. It makes your dish look fancy and inviting. Place toothpicks alongside for easy serving. This way, your guests can enjoy without messy hands. For gatherings, pair these meatballs with a fresh salad or crusty bread. They also go well with rice or pasta. Their sweet and savory flavor will impress everyone! Leftover meatballs are a treat! You can slice them for sandwiches, or toss them in a salad. They also make a great topping for pizza. Just warm them up and enjoy. Another fun idea is to mix them into pasta. They add a tasty twist to your favorite dishes! Don’t let any go to waste; enjoy each bite in a new way. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep the meatballs moist without excess fat. Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure they remain tender and juicy. Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce with your favorite flavors, such as honey or chipotle for a spicy kick. Serve with Sides: Pair the meatballs with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change cuts fat and still keeps flavor. Ground turkey or chicken works well in meatballs. It gives you a lighter dish that everyone can enjoy. For those with dietary needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These crumbs work just as well as traditional ones. They help bind the meatballs while keeping them tasty. Want a spicy kick? Try adding sriracha or hot sauce to the mix. A little heat can make the meatballs exciting. Just start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. You can also experiment with different sauces. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory twist. Mixing sauces can create unique flavors for your meatballs. Let your taste buds guide you! Incorporating seasonal fruits or vegetables can elevate your dish. For fall, add diced apples or pears for a sweet touch. In summer, mix in chopped zucchini or bell peppers for freshness. Seasonal ingredients not only add flavor but also keep your meals interesting. To keep your meatballs fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent them from sticking together. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place them in a pot on low heat or use a microwave. The best way to reheat meatballs is on the stove. Place them in a pan with a little sauce. Heat gently while stirring until hot. You can also use the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short bursts until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep them moist and tasty. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. To prep them, follow these steps: - Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and spices. - Form the meatballs and place them in a container. - Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well. When you are ready to cook, just add them to the slow cooker with the sauce. This saves time and makes meal prep easy. You can store cooked meatballs in the fridge for about three to four days. Here are some signs to check for spoilage: - Look for any off-smells. - Check for changes in color or texture. - If you see mold, throw them away. To keep them fresh, store meatballs in an airtight container. This helps maintain their taste and texture. Yes, frozen meatballs work great in this recipe. Here’s how to use them: - Skip the step of making meatballs from scratch. - Place the frozen meatballs directly in the slow cooker. - Add the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce over the top. - Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Using frozen meatballs saves time and still gives you a tasty meal. Enjoy the ease of a quick dinner! In this blog post, you learned about making slow cooker cranberry meatballs. We covered main ingredients, steps for preparation, helpful tips, and variations. You can customize the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, storing and reheating your meatballs properly ensures great flavor. Try these meatballs for your next gathering, or use leftovers creatively in other meals. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with flavors. Your next dish could be a hit!

Cranberry BBQ Bliss Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  • Pour the cranberry BBQ mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are all coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  • Once cooked, garnish the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the meatballs in a decorative bowl with toothpicks for easy serving. Drizzle some of the cooking sauce over the top and sprinkle additional parsley for color.
Keyword appetizer, BBQ, cranberry, meatballs