Sweet and Tangy BBQ Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Deliciously sweet and tangy BBQ Meatballs cooked slowly in a flavorful cranberry and cocktail sauce mixture. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these meatballs are tender and infused with a blend of barbecue and fruit flavors, garnished with fresh green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 50–60 frozen meatballs (store bought or homemade)
Sauce
- 14 ounces whole cranberry sauce
- 12 ounces cocktail sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Garnish
- Green onion, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the whole cranberry sauce, cocktail sauce, light brown sugar, water, and BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Optionally, serve the meatballs over rice for a heartier meal.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade meatballs depending on your preference.
- For homemade cocktail sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix before cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
