Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
5 Comments Oct 02, 2022
Updated Nov 23, 2025
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This dump-and-go slow cooker cranberry meatballs recipe is made just a few ingredients! Filled with fresh cranberry and tangy flavor. Great for any holiday get-together.
We make many versions of crockpot meatballs, this cranberry meatballs is a special festive recipe. It is a change from the usual grape jelly meatballs or apple butter meatballs. It is an actual holiday appetizer that gets rave reviews.
Key Ingredients
Frozen Meatballs: Store bought frozen meatballs do the trick in this recipe.
Whole Cranberry Sauce: We use canned whole cranberry sauce for this recipe, though if you have leftover slow cooker cranberry sauce, you can use that! You can even use jellied cranberry sauce for a smoother texture.
Brown Sugar: Add the sweetness to the cranberry meatballs.
Ketchup: Helps create a saucy base classic in many meatball recipes; the vinegar adds a tanginess to the recipe.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of acid and flavor to the meatballs.
How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
- Add the meatballs and pour the sweet-tangy cranberry mix right over the top.
- Let them simmer until they’re saucy, shiny, and irresistible.
Tips & Variations
Onion Version: Add a packet of lipton onion soup mix for a great flavor combo.
Meatball type: Any type of frozen meatball will work for this recipe. You can also use homemade meatballs.
Ketchup Swap: You can use barbecue sauce or Heinz chili sauce.
Serving Ideas
Appetizer: Turn the slow cooker to warm after they are done cooking. And serve the cranberry meatballs with toothpicks for your party.
Main Course: Make this a complete meal by serving the meatballs over rice pilaf or mashed potatoes.
Garnish ideas: Consider topping these cocktail meatballs with chopped green onions, freshly chopped parsley, and/or fresh cranberries.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs
If stored properly in an airtight container and refrigerator, these meatballs will keep for up to 4 days. They also freeze well, for up to 4 months.
Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen meatballs, (these are fully cooked, but frozen)
- 28 oz. whole cranberry sauce, (two 14-oz. cans)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
- Pour the meatballs into the crockpot.
- Add the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and lemon juice – stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Meatball Recipes
Honey Garlic Meatballs are sweet, savory, and perfect for serving over rice. Enchilada Meatballs bring bold Mexican-inspired flavor with a cheesy twist.
Grape Jelly Meatballs are a classic party favorite with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Apple Butter Meatballs offer a cozy fall flavor that’s great for entertaining.
Baby Shower Meatballs and Beer Meatballs are both crowd-pleasing options for casual get-togethers. Barbecue Meatballs are smoky, saucy, and always a hit at potlucks or game day.
Apricot jam also works really well!
If I’m making homemade meatballs, should I pre-cook the meatballs first?
I would at least brown them first, then let the slow cooker finish cooking them.
For the sweet and sour version, how much of each additional ingredient should be added?
Soy Sauce
Hoisin Sauce
Garlic Powder
Ground Ginger
Hot Sauce
Hard to say without testing it, I apologize!