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Overhead shot of glazed holiday meatballs topped with fresh parsley, arranged tightly on a baking sheet.

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Holiday Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker or Skillet)

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Yield: 8
These Holiday Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, sticky, and perfect for parties! Made with frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, and orange zest. They come together in minutes and can be cooked in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. A festive crowd favorite!
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 lbs frozen meatballs
  • 1 can cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 orange, juice of

Equipment

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker Method (My Favorite 💛)

  • Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
  • Pour in the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, orange juice and zest.
  • Stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  • Cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
  • Serve warm, and keep on the “Warm” setting during parties.

Skillet Method (20 Minutes!)

  • Add the frozen meatballs to a large skillet and pour in the cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, orange juice and zest.
  • Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are heated through.
  • Serve immediately, or transfer to a slow cooker on Warm if you’re making them for a party.

Notes

  • Frozen Meatballs: Homestyle or Italian meatballs both work great. Use your favorite brand!
  • Cranberry Sauce: You can use jellied or whole-berry, both melt beautifully into the glaze.
  • Heat Level: Add hot honey or chili flakes if you love a little extra kick.
  • Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you want the meatballs extra glossy for a party.
  • Skillet Shortcut: No slow cooker? The skillet method is ready in 20 minutes and tastes just as good.
  • Make-Ahead: Cook fully, then reheat on LOW in the slow cooker for 30–45 minutes before serving.
  • Serving Tip: Keep the slow cooker on Warm for parties so the glaze stays shiny and the meatballs stay tender.
Author: Kaylen Carrera
Course: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Party Food, Slow Cooker Recipes
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Serving: 10g, Calories: 321kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 908mg, Potassium: 86mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 81IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 93mg, Iron: 3mg
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