With the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry and orange, combined with the savory goodness of turkey meatballs, this slow cooker recipe is a crowd-pleaser and that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply seeking a hassle-free way to enjoy a mouthwatering dish, these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are sure to become a favorite for the whole family
If you love easy slow cooker recipes make sure to try these Easy Ground Pork Slow Cooker Casserole and Easy 4 ingredients Crockpot Chicken Salsa
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Ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients you can easily find at your grocery store to make this recipe.
Frozen Pre-cooked Turkey Meatballs: Using frozen pre-cooked meatballs makes this recipe incredibly convenient and time-saving.
Chili Sauce: Adds a subtle heat and tanginess to the glaze. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
BBQ Sauce: Provides a smoky and savory flavor to the glaze. You can choose your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the taste.
Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Offers a sweet and tart flavor that complements the savory turkey. The jellied form ensures a smooth consistency in the glaze.
Orange Juice and Orange Zest: Introduces a citrusy brightness to the dish. Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide a vibrant flavor profile.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberry sauce and enhance the overall flavor of the glaze.
Chopped Parsley: Used as a garnish, chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous element to the finished dish.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make this recipe, step-by-step with photos
Grease the inside of your slow cooker lightly to prevent sticking.
Place the frozen turkey meatballs in a large slow cooker.
Pour the other ingredients over the turkey meatballs in the slow cooker.
Gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
If possible, stir the meatballs occasionally to make sure they are coated in the delicious sauce.
Once the meatballs are cooked through, and the glaze has thickened, you can serve them directly from the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the meatballs before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
Serve the slow cooker meatballs with cranberry-orange glaze as an appetizer, over rice, or as a delicious party snack. They're sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Tips
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
For a complete meal, serve the meatballs over cooked rice or pasta.
You can easily double-batch these delicious meatballs for larger gatherings.
Storage
If you have leftovers, allow the meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the meatballs and the sauce.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat refrigerated meatballs on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.
FAQ
Yes, you can use fresh turkey homemade meatballs. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
These meatballs are versatile and can be served over rice, pasta, crusty bread a simple salad, or as appetizers for parties. You can also make a meatball sub.
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be used. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
It's recommended to cook on low heat for a longer duration to allow the flavors to meld. Cooking on high heat may affect the texture and taste.
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 package 2 lb frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can 14 oz jellied cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the frozen turkey meatballs in a large slow cooker.
- Pour the other ingredients over the turkey meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- If possible, stir the meatballs occasionally to make sure they are coated in the delicious sauce.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, and the glaze has thickened, you can serve them directly from the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the meatballs before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve the slow cooker meatballs with cranberry-orange glaze as an appetizer, over rice, or as a delicious party snack. They're sure to be a hit at any gathering!
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