Name: Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground turkey; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup finely grated onion; 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley; 2 eggs; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce or jellied cranberry sauce; 12 ounces chili sauce or barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Description

These Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious dump-and-go appetizer perfect for holidays, potlucks, tailgates, and parties. Homemade turkey meatballs are baked until browned, then slow-cooked in a tangy cranberry sauce made with chili sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup finely grated onion
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
2 eggs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce or jellied cranberry sauce
12 ounces chili sauce or barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, grated onion, parsley, eggs, garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatballs are browned. Larger meatballs may need additional time. Transfer the meatballs to a 6-quart slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
Pour the cranberry sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through. Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Stir gently before serving and serve warm as an appetizer or party dish.

Notes

Jellied cranberry sauce can be used instead of whole berry cranberry sauce.
Barbecue sauce can replace the chili sauce for a different flavor.
Use a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to make browning and cleanup easier.
Cooked meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker for serving. Follow food safety guidance when holding food warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Bake, Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American