Crockpot Cranberry Chili Meatballs

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When the holidays, football season, and “please bring an appetizer” all seem to show up at the same time, these crockpot cranberry chili meatballs are exactly the kind of recipe you want in your back pocket.

They are sweet, tangy, saucy, and just a little zippy from the chili sauce. The cranberry sauce gives them that cozy holiday flavor, while the meatballs make them hearty enough for a party table, potluck, or game day spread.

The easiest version uses frozen meatballs, canned cranberry sauce, and bottled chili sauce. That is it. But if you want to make them extra homemade, you can also use my Homemade Meatballs⁠ instead of frozen. They are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, and herbs, and they soak up this sauce beautifully.

Basically, this recipe can be as easy or as homemade as the day allows. Some days we are rolling meatballs from scratch. Some days we are opening a bag from the freezer and calling it a victory. Both count.

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

• These cranberry chili meatballs are made with just a few simple ingredients and almost no prep.
• They are perfect for holiday parties, Thanksgiving appetizers, Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve, football games, and potlucks.
• You can make them with frozen meatballs for the easiest version, or use homemade meatballs if you want a more from-scratch appetizer.
• The slow cooker keeps them warm, saucy, and ready to serve.
• The sauce is sweet, tangy, and savory without being too spicy.
• They can also be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for an easy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Chili Meatballs

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs – beef, turkey, or even plant-based work.
• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce – canned keeps it smooth and sweet, but leftover homemade cranberry sauce works too.
• 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce – Heinz is the classic, but any brand will do.

Homemade Meatball Option

If you want to make this recipe from scratch, you can use one batch of fully cooked Homemade Meatballs⁠ instead of frozen meatballs.

Ingredient Notes

• How to Make Crockpot Cranberry MeatballsFrozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this recipe extra easy. Use beef, turkey, chicken, Italian-style, or homestyle meatballs.
• Homemade Beef Meatballs: If you have a little extra time, homemade meatballs make this recipe even better. Bake the meatballs first, then add them to the crockpot with the cranberry chili sauce. This helps them hold together and gives the whole dish a more homemade flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Jellied cranberry sauce gives the smoothest sauce. Whole berry cranberry sauce can also be used if you like a little texture.
• Chili Sauce: Bottled chili sauce adds tangy, savory flavor. It is not the same as hot sauce. It is more like a seasoned tomato-based sauce with a little zip.
• Brown Sugar, Optional: If you like a sweeter sauce, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
• Hot Sauce, Optional: For more heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Chili Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Sauce
Add the cranberry sauce and chili sauce to the crockpot. Stir until mostly combined.
The cranberry sauce will continue to melt as it heats, so do not worry if it looks a little lumpy at first.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Add the frozen meatballs to the crockpot and stir until they are coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is hot.

Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve warm straight from the crockpot. Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting for parties.

How to Use Homemade Beef Meatballs

If using homemade meatballs, prepare and bake them first.

Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the crockpot with the cranberry chili sauce. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours, until hot and saucy.

Helpful Tools

• Slow cooker
• Serving spoon
• Toothpicks/Cocktail Forks

Tips for Success

• Use a slow cooker liner if you want easier cleanup.
• Stir the sauce before adding the meatballs so the cranberry sauce and chili sauce combine evenly.
• If using frozen meatballs, you can add them straight from the freezer.
• If using homemade meatballs, bake them first before adding them to the crockpot. This helps them hold their shape and keeps the sauce from getting greasy.
• Keep the crockpot on warm once the meatballs are fully heated.
• For a thicker sauce, cook with the lid slightly cracked during the last 20 to 30 minutes.
• For a thinner sauce, stir in a small splash of water, beef broth, or apple juice.

Make Ahead

You can mix the cranberry sauce and chili sauce together up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store the sauce covered in the refrigerator.

If using homemade meatballs, bake them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The next day, add the sauce and cooked meatballs to the crockpot and heat until warmed through.

You can also fully cook the cranberry chili meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the slow cooker before serving.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry chili meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot until hot.

If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a small splash of water or broth while reheating.

Freezing

Cranberry chili meatballs freeze well after they are cooked.

Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the crockpot, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until hot.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Chili Meatballs

• Set out with toothpicks for a fuss-free holiday appetizer.
• Serve over rice and mashed potatoes to turn it into a quick dinner.
• They also pair well with other cozy appetizers like:
  • Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Baked Jalapeno Poppers
  • Shrimp Rangoon Toast

More Recipes You May Like

• Garlic Butter Rice with Kale
• Easy Naan Pizzas
• Homemade Meatballs

FAQ’s

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen meatballs?

Yes. Homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. Bake them first, then add them to the crockpot with the cranberry chili sauce. My Homemade Meatballs⁠ are a great option.

Do I have to thaw frozen meatballs first?

No. You can add frozen meatballs straight to the crockpot. Just make sure they are fully heated through before serving.

Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce?

Yes. Whole berry cranberry sauce works if you like a little texture in the sauce. Jellied cranberry sauce gives a smoother finish.

Is chili sauce spicy?

Bottled chili sauce is usually tangy and slightly zippy, but not overly spicy. It is not the same as hot sauce.

Can I make cranberry chili meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. You can make them ahead and reheat them in the crockpot before serving. You can also mix the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

Can I keep these warm for a party?

Yes. Once the meatballs are fully heated, turn the slow cooker to warm. Stir occasionally so the sauce stays evenly coated.

Crockpot Cranberry Chili Meatballs

These Crockpot Cranberry Chili Meatballs are sweet, tangy, saucy, and perfect for holidays, game day, potlucks, and parties. Make them with frozen meatballs for the easiest appetizer, or use homemade beef meatballs for a from-scratch option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings as an appetizer

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 bag frozen meatballs (or homemade meatballs) 32 ounces
• 1 can jellied cranberry sauce 14 ounces
• 1 bottle chili sauce 12 ounces

Equipment

• Crockpot

Method

 

1. Mix sauce: In your crockpot, whisk together cranberry sauce and chili sauce until smooth.
2. Add meatballs: Add meatballs to the sauce and stir until the meatballs are coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 – 4 hours or high for 2 – 3 hours, until heated through.
4. Serve warm: Keep on the warm setting for parties.

Notes

• For a homemade version, use fully cooked homemade meatballs instead of frozen meatballs.
• If using homemade meatballs that are already cooked, heat them in the sauce on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours.
• For extra sweetness, add 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
• For extra heat, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.