Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs offer a delightful blend of tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner, they’re easy to prepare and packed with festive taste.
Ingredients
- For the BBQ cranberry sauce:
- 1 batch homemade cranberry sauce
- 1 ½ cups spicy BBQ sauce (or BBQ sauce of choice)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for a hint of spice)
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (or ground chicken)
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tablespoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bowl of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, combine the homemade cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, ground sage, dried thyme, ground cumin, allspice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use clean hands to combine and then shape the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently every few minutes for about 4 to 5 minutes total. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Transfer browned meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Step 4: Spoon some of the BBQ cranberry sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. When done, switch the slow cooker to warm. Serve meatballs with toothpicks for easy snacking or place on a plate for a main dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, omit cayenne pepper or use a milder barbecue sauce.
- Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for turkey if preferred.
- To add extra zest, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro over the meatballs before serving.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to deepen the flavors before slow cooking.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, then toss them in the cranberry BBQ sauce in a saucepan to warm through before serving.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. They also make great party appetizers served on their own with toothpicks.
PrintSlow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with warm spices and a tangy, flavorful cranberry BBQ sauce. Perfect for a party appetizer or a comforting meal, the meatballs are browned on the stovetop before slow cooking to tender perfection in a uniquely delicious homemade sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (approximately 10 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the BBQ Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 batch homemade cranberry sauce
- 1 ½ cups spicy BBQ sauce (or BBQ sauce of choice)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (or ground chicken)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tablespoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry BBQ Sauce: In the bowl of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, combine the homemade cranberry sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, minced garlic (or garlic powder), panko breadcrumbs, ground sage, dried thyme, ground cumin, allspice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use clean hands to mix the ingredients together evenly, then form the mixture into 20 uniform meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Turn gently with tongs or a fork every few minutes for about 4-5 minutes total until nicely browned. Transfer the browned meatballs directly into the slow cooker bowl containing the cranberry BBQ sauce.
- Slow Cook the Meatballs: Gently spoon some of the BBQ cranberry sauce over the meatballs to coat them. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender. When ready to serve, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep the meatballs hot and easily accessible for guests.
- Serve: Serve meatballs directly from the slow cooker, allowing guests to pick them up with toothpicks, or transfer them to a serving platter. Ideal for gatherings or as a hearty dish for dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken instead of turkey for the meatballs if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on desired spice level or omit for milder taste.
- Using panko breadcrumbs adds a lighter texture to meatballs, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs to ensure even browning.
- Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, vibrant flavor but store-bought cranberry sauce may be used for convenience.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, cranberry sauce, BBQ meatballs, slow cooker recipe, party appetizers, healthy meatballs, sweet and spicy sauce
