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Irresistible Cranberry Meatballs Slow Cooker Recipe Easy and Perfect for Holidays

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This slow cooker cranberry meatballs recipe combines sweet and tart cranberry sauce with juicy, tender meatballs for a fuss-free, flavorful holiday appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (sweet onion preferred)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce in meatballs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined. Adjust moisture with breadcrumbs or milk if needed.
  2. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about golf ball size) and place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and allspice. Let sit while finishing meatballs.
  4. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour cranberry sauce mixture evenly over meatballs. If slow cooker is small, layer meatballs and pour sauce over each layer.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are tender. Stir gently about 30 minutes before end to coat meatballs and prevent sticking.
  6. If sauce is too thin, stir cornstarch mixture into slow cooker and cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to avoid steaming the meatballs. Browning meatballs before slow cooking is optional for extra flavor. Overmixing the meat can make meatballs tough. For a smoother sauce, pulse cranberry mixture briefly in a food processor before cooking. Fresh cranberries are preferred over canned for better flavor and texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour can be used as substitutes. Milk can be swapped with unsweetened almond or oat milk for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, holiday appetizer, easy meatballs, cranberry sauce, party food, festive recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/irresistible-cranberry-meatballs-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-holidays/