Description
These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a perfect blend of tangy cranberry-apple juice and smoky BBQ sauce, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Ideal for parties or a comforting family dinner, this easy recipe combines sweet and savory flavors with minimal preparation, delivering juicy, flavorful meatballs ready to serve in just a few hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound bite-sized fully cooked meatballs (browned if freshly homemade, no need to defrost if frozen)
Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry-apple juice (unsweetened)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a 3-4 quart crockpot, combine the cranberry-apple juice, BBQ sauce, cornstarch (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the flavors meld.
- Add the meatballs: Place the fully cooked meatballs into the crockpot and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce mixture, ensuring each meatball is covered for optimal flavor infusion.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours. The meatballs should be heated thoroughly, reaching a piping hot temperature in the center, while the sauce simmers and bubbles, thickening slightly.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If after cooking the sauce isn’t thick or glaze-like enough for your preference, remove the crockpot lid and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes uncovered. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, intensifying the sauce’s flavor and consistency.
- Serve warm: Once cooked and sauced to your liking, serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or main dish, perfect for entertaining or casual meals.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch to 2 teaspoons and mix it well before adding the meatballs.
- Frozen meatballs can be used directly without defrosting, making this recipe convenient for quick preparation.
- For an extra tangy boost, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the sauce before cooking.
- This recipe works well as a party appetizer or a hearty meal served with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or spiciness according to taste preferences for a custom flavor profile.
