Ok, I can’t hide it anymore. I am a meatball fanatic. This Crockpot turkey meatballs in cranberry sauce recipe is my third meatball recipe in the past couple of months. It’s clear that I have an obsession…
Can I blame it on my daughter, the meatball queen of the universe, who begs for them at least once a week? How about Max, our dog, whose drool pools on the floor just from smelling them? These two might initiate the meatball frenzy, but they hardly have to twist my arm. These Crockpot turkey meatballs in cranberry sauce are fun because they are made of turkey and have a nice blend of spicy and sweet. And since you make them in the Crockpot, it’s no wonder I resort to meatballs for dinner so often!
Want to know the real reason I made these Crockpot turkey meatballs in cranberry sauce? It was because I had leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving that needed to be used up.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Turkey Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce
If you’re looking for a dish that’s effortless and full of flavor, Crockpot turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce are a must-try. The combination of sweet, tangy cranberry sauce and savory turkey meatballs makes this recipe a family favorite, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a festive party.
Step 1: Heat the Cranberry Sauce Mixture
Start by pouring 2 cups of cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently as it warms up. The goal is to combine the two sauces until they form a smooth, velvety texture.
If you happen to have some leftover homemade cranberry sauce from a previous holiday meal, this is a great way to use it up. But if not, don’t worry—a 16 oz can of jellied cranberry sauce works perfectly, too. Just make sure to heat it thoroughly so it becomes easy to pour and mix. This step adds a sweet and tangy base to the meatballs that everyone will love.
Step 2: Add Turkey Meatballs to the Crockpot
While your sauce is heating, grab a bag of your favorite turkey meatballs and add them to the Crockpot. I like using Armour turkey meatballs because their flavor pairs beautifully with the sauce, but if you prefer, you can try other brands like Great Value from Walmart. Either way, choose a bag that’s around 32 ounces so you’ll have enough to serve a crowd or satisfy your family.
Dump the meatballs straight into the Crockpot. Btw, there’s no need to thaw them if they’re frozen! The slow cooker will take care of everything, making this recipe as easy as it gets.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Once your cranberry and BBQ sauce mixture is smooth and ready, carefully pour it over the turkey meatballs in the Crockpot. Use a spoon or spatula to toss and coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with that irresistible sweet and savory flavor.
Set the slow cooker to LOW and let the magic happen for 4 hours. During that time, the meatballs will soak up all the flavors of the sauce while staying perfectly tender. When the time is up, PRESTO CHANGE-O… your Crockpot turkey meatballs in cranberry sauce are ready to serve!
How to Serve Your Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce
Most nights, I keep it simple and just serve the Crockpot turkey meatballs in cranberry sauce with a side vegetable like broccoli or 10-minute roasted asparagus. But I think this would be a fun dish to turn into a snazzy appetizer for a Christmas party or potluck. Set them out on WARM in the Crockpot with a tube of toothpicks. I bet they’ll disappear in no time.
For more easy Crockpot meals like 5-ingredient orange chicken and healthy enchilada quinoa, visit my recipe index or follow my Cozy Crockpot Board on Pinterest. Happy Cooking, y’all!
