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Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

These Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are the easiest slow cooker recipe I’ve made for the holidays. They’re sweet and tangy meatballs that are quick to make and totally hands-off.

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photo of the finished cranberry meatballs

It’s most often served as a party appetizer, but it can totally work as a main dish or even a hearty side!

I love putting them out with toothpicks for holiday parties or school events, but if you spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes, they make a perfect dinner too. You can even add them to a buffet table alongside sliders or roasted meats.

You can pair these Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs with a warm Hot Cheesy Bacon Bean Dip and tasty Bite-Sized Italian Sub Sliders for a delicious combination!

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
  • 1 (32 oz.) bag of premade meatballs
  • 1 (14 oz.) can of jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 (12 oz.) jar of chili sauce
  • ¾ cup brown sugar

cranberry meatballs ingredients

Step by Step Guide

1. Add your frozen meatballs right into your crockpot. No thawing needed!

cranberry meatball process photo

2. Top with cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Give it a stir!

3. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so if you can. Once it’s all bubbly, gooey, and delicious, they’re ready to serve!

cranberry meatball process photo

Serve and Enjoy!

photo of the finished cranberry meatballs

Important Recipe Notes

  • Use frozen meatballs straight from the bag—no need to thaw before cooking.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking and to help everything combine evenly.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your taste preference.
  • Keep warm on low if serving later; the flavors only get better as they sit!
  • This recipe is great for make-ahead parties—just prep in the morning and let the crockpot do the work.

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

These Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients! A dump-and-go appetizer that's great for holidays, parties, or busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
photo of the finished cranberry meatballs
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours
High:4 hours
Total Time:3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 32 oz. bag of premade meatballs
  • 1 14 oz. can of jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 12 oz. jar of chili sauce
  • ¾ cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Add your frozen meatballs right into your crockpot. No thawing needed!
  • Top with cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar.
  • Give it a stir—don’t worry if it’s not fully mixed yet; it’ll all come together as it cooks.
  • Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. Stir every 30 minutes. Once it’s all bubbly, gooey, and delicious, they’re ready to serve!
Servings: 12
Calories: 180kcal
Author: carlycampbell

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