Slow Cooker Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs

Looking for a holiday appetizer that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious? These Slow Cooker Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs combine all the festive flavors of Thanksgiving into bite-sized portions. They’re perfect for serving at a party, taking to a potluck, or even as a tasty addition to your holiday dinner spread. With the help of your slow cooker, these meatballs are fuss-free and packed with flavor, making them a must-try this season.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup dry stuffing mix (crushed)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, crushed stuffing mix, milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, ground sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on their size.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. In the slow cooker, whisk together the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, and water until smooth. This will be the sauce that the meatballs cook in.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to ensure they’re well coated with the sauce. Serve them warm as an appetizer or as part of a meal.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Meat Selection: Ground turkey is used in this recipe to keep things light, but you could also use ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer.
• Stuffing Mix: The dry stuffing mix adds amazing flavor to the meatballs, but make sure to crush it finely before adding it to the mixture to help the meatballs hold together.
• Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you want a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the barbecue sauce and cranberry sauce are also gluten-free.
• Different Sauces: Instead of barbecue sauce, try using chili sauce or even a mixture of ketchup and mustard for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook them in advance and reheat them in the slow cooker on the warm setting.

2. Can I Freeze Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs?

Absolutely. Once cooked, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the slow cooker.

3. Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to feed a crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all of the meatballs without overcrowding.

4. Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Canned Cranberry Sauce?

You could, but canned cranberry sauce provides the right balance of sweetness and acidity that pairs well with the stuffing flavors. If using fresh cranberries, you may need to cook them down with sugar and water until they form a jam-like consistency.

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs are a great way to bring classic holiday flavors into a fun, bite-sized form. The combination of savory stuffing, tender turkey, and tangy cranberry sauce is perfect for any festive occasion. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is ideal for busy holiday schedules or anytime you want an easy and tasty appetizer. Try them out at your next gathering—they’ll be a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Happy cooking!