Savory Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs

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- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make the meatballs, start with ground turkey or chicken. This choice keeps them lean while still flavorful. Next, add breadcrumbs for texture and to help bind the meatballs. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You will also need one large egg to help hold everything together. Spices are vital. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients well for a balanced taste. - 1 cup cranberry sauce (using canned is perfectly acceptable) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated The sauce is where the magic happens. Start with cranberry sauce. It gives a sweet and tangy base. Sweet chili sauce adds depth and a hint of heat. Soy sauce contributes umami flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Lastly, grated ginger adds a warm spice note. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This sauce will coat your meatballs in flavor. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the other ingredients. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well using your hands or a spoon. Make sure all parts are evenly mixed. This step is key for tasty meatballs. With slightly damp hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into meatballs, about one inch wide. Place these meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and brown the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a nice touch. In a separate bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together. Combine the cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger. Mix until smooth and well blended. Taste it! Adjust seasoning if you want. Now, place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Whether you browned them or not, it’s up to you. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure every one is covered. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender. You can check for doneness by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The flavors will blend nicely as they cook. Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen! To ensure your meatballs stay moist, use ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lean, so add breadcrumbs for texture. Mix well with an egg to bind everything. If you want, you can use ground beef or pork instead. Each meat offers a different taste and texture. For a fun touch, garnish the meatballs with thinly sliced green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and color. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating at parties. Pair the meatballs with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can customize the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more cranberry sauce or sweet chili sauce. For more heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Experimenting with flavors like garlic or lime can also give your sauce a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can change the proteins in the meatballs. Ground beef, pork, or vegetarian options work great. Each will give a different taste. If you want a leaner meat, use turkey or chicken. For a meatless meal, try lentils or chickpeas. Sauce choices can also vary. You can use homemade sauces if you prefer. Try a mix of ketchup and chili sauce for a quick option. You can even add in some honey for sweetness. The key is to match the sauce to your taste. You can make these meatballs in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. If you use an Instant Pot, it cooks faster. Just set it for 10 minutes on high pressure. For stovetop, brown the meatballs first, then simmer in sauce until cooked. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake them. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Then, toss them in the sauce after baking. This gives a nice crust to the meatballs. To add heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Start small, then taste as you go. You can also add more herbs or spices. Fresh basil or cilantro gives a new twist. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Each change can make your meatballs unique and fun to eat. To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. I like to use glass containers for their durability and safety. You can keep them in the fridge for about three to four days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible. For uncooked meatballs, follow the same steps. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to check them often. Reheat cooked meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are hot throughout. In the fridge, these meatballs last about three to four days. In the freezer, cooked meatballs are safe for about three months. Uncooked meatballs can last a bit longer, up to six months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can serve these meatballs with many tasty sides. Try rice or noodles for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and color. You could also pair them with steamed veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns for a party treat. Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and fast. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear. Yes, there are low-carb options! Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour or ground flaxseed. You can also skip the soy sauce for a lower-carb option. Just add more spices for flavor. This way, you still enjoy the meatballs without the extra carbs. Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe. It keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use either ground turkey or chicken based on your taste. Both options will create delicious meatballs in the sweet chili cranberry sauce. In this post, we explored a tasty meatball recipe with sweet chili cranberry sauce. We covered key ingredients like turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices. You learned to mix the meatball mixture and prepare the sauce. Cooking tips and variations showed how to adjust flavors and methods. This dish is flexible and easy to store, making it great for meal prep. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy making these meatballs your own!

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Looking for a delicious dish that requires minimal effort? Try my Savory Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs! These mouthwatering meatballs combine tender turkey, a tasty sweet chili sauce, and tangy cranberry, creating the perfect blend of flavors. Whether for dinner or a party, this recipe will impress. Join me as we explore simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this easy, crowd-pleasing meal!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey or chicken

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

To make the meatballs, start with ground turkey or chicken. This choice keeps them lean while still flavorful. Next, add breadcrumbs for texture and to help bind the meatballs. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You will also need one large egg to help hold everything together.

Spices are vital. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients well for a balanced taste.

Sauce Ingredients

– 1 cup cranberry sauce (using canned is perfectly acceptable)

– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

The sauce is where the magic happens. Start with cranberry sauce. It gives a sweet and tangy base. Sweet chili sauce adds depth and a hint of heat. Soy sauce contributes umami flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Lastly, grated ginger adds a warm spice note. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This sauce will coat your meatballs in flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the other ingredients. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well using your hands or a spoon. Make sure all parts are evenly mixed. This step is key for tasty meatballs.

Forming and Browning the Meatballs

With slightly damp hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into meatballs, about one inch wide. Place these meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and brown the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.

Making the Sauce and Combining Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together. Combine the cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger. Mix until smooth and well blended. Taste it! Adjust seasoning if you want. Now, place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Whether you browned them or not, it’s up to you. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure every one is covered.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender. You can check for doneness by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The flavors will blend nicely as they cook. Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs stay moist, use ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lean, so add breadcrumbs for texture. Mix well with an egg to bind everything. If you want, you can use ground beef or pork instead. Each meat offers a different taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun touch, garnish the meatballs with thinly sliced green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and color. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating at parties. Pair the meatballs with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Adjusting the Sauce

You can customize the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more cranberry sauce or sweet chili sauce. For more heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Experimenting with flavors like garlic or lime can also give your sauce a unique twist.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the proteins in the meatballs. Ground beef, pork, or vegetarian options work great. Each will give a different taste. If you want a leaner meat, use turkey or chicken. For a meatless meal, try lentils or chickpeas.

Sauce choices can also vary. You can use homemade sauces if you prefer. Try a mix of ketchup and chili sauce for a quick option. You can even add in some honey for sweetness. The key is to match the sauce to your taste.

Cooking Methods

You can make these meatballs in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. If you use an Instant Pot, it cooks faster. Just set it for 10 minutes on high pressure. For stovetop, brown the meatballs first, then simmer in sauce until cooked.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake them. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Then, toss them in the sauce after baking. This gives a nice crust to the meatballs.

Flavor Profile Adjustments

To add heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Start small, then taste as you go. You can also add more herbs or spices. Fresh basil or cilantro gives a new twist. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Each change can make your meatballs unique and fun to eat.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. I like to use glass containers for their durability and safety. You can keep them in the fridge for about three to four days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible. For uncooked meatballs, follow the same steps. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.

To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to check them often. Reheat cooked meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are hot throughout.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, these meatballs last about three to four days. In the freezer, cooked meatballs are safe for about three months. Uncooked meatballs can last a bit longer, up to six months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

What can I serve with Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs?

You can serve these meatballs with many tasty sides. Try rice or noodles for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and color. You could also pair them with steamed veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns for a party treat.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and fast.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.

Are there any low-carb alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, there are low-carb options! Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour or ground flaxseed. You can also skip the soy sauce for a lower-carb option. Just add more spices for flavor. This way, you still enjoy the meatballs without the extra carbs.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe. It keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use either ground turkey or chicken based on your taste. Both options will create delicious meatballs in the sweet chili cranberry sauce.

In this post, we explored a tasty meatball recipe with sweet chili cranberry sauce. We covered key ingredients like turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices. You learned to mix the meatball mixture and prepare the sauce. Cooking tips and variations showed how to adjust flavors and methods. This dish is flexible and easy to store, making it great for meal prep.

Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy making these meatballs your own!

- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make the meatballs, start with ground turkey or chicken. This choice keeps them lean while still flavorful. Next, add breadcrumbs for texture and to help bind the meatballs. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You will also need one large egg to help hold everything together. Spices are vital. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients well for a balanced taste. - 1 cup cranberry sauce (using canned is perfectly acceptable) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated The sauce is where the magic happens. Start with cranberry sauce. It gives a sweet and tangy base. Sweet chili sauce adds depth and a hint of heat. Soy sauce contributes umami flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Lastly, grated ginger adds a warm spice note. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This sauce will coat your meatballs in flavor. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the other ingredients. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well using your hands or a spoon. Make sure all parts are evenly mixed. This step is key for tasty meatballs. With slightly damp hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into meatballs, about one inch wide. Place these meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and brown the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a nice touch. In a separate bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together. Combine the cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger. Mix until smooth and well blended. Taste it! Adjust seasoning if you want. Now, place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Whether you browned them or not, it’s up to you. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure every one is covered. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender. You can check for doneness by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The flavors will blend nicely as they cook. Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen! To ensure your meatballs stay moist, use ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lean, so add breadcrumbs for texture. Mix well with an egg to bind everything. If you want, you can use ground beef or pork instead. Each meat offers a different taste and texture. For a fun touch, garnish the meatballs with thinly sliced green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and color. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating at parties. Pair the meatballs with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can customize the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more cranberry sauce or sweet chili sauce. For more heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Experimenting with flavors like garlic or lime can also give your sauce a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can change the proteins in the meatballs. Ground beef, pork, or vegetarian options work great. Each will give a different taste. If you want a leaner meat, use turkey or chicken. For a meatless meal, try lentils or chickpeas. Sauce choices can also vary. You can use homemade sauces if you prefer. Try a mix of ketchup and chili sauce for a quick option. You can even add in some honey for sweetness. The key is to match the sauce to your taste. You can make these meatballs in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. If you use an Instant Pot, it cooks faster. Just set it for 10 minutes on high pressure. For stovetop, brown the meatballs first, then simmer in sauce until cooked. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake them. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Then, toss them in the sauce after baking. This gives a nice crust to the meatballs. To add heat, mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper. Start small, then taste as you go. You can also add more herbs or spices. Fresh basil or cilantro gives a new twist. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Each change can make your meatballs unique and fun to eat. To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. I like to use glass containers for their durability and safety. You can keep them in the fridge for about three to four days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible. For uncooked meatballs, follow the same steps. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to check them often. Reheat cooked meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are hot throughout. In the fridge, these meatballs last about three to four days. In the freezer, cooked meatballs are safe for about three months. Uncooked meatballs can last a bit longer, up to six months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can serve these meatballs with many tasty sides. Try rice or noodles for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and color. You could also pair them with steamed veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns for a party treat. Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and fast. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear. Yes, there are low-carb options! Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour or ground flaxseed. You can also skip the soy sauce for a lower-carb option. Just add more spices for flavor. This way, you still enjoy the meatballs without the extra carbs. Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe. It keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use either ground turkey or chicken based on your taste. Both options will create delicious meatballs in the sweet chili cranberry sauce. In this post, we explored a tasty meatball recipe with sweet chili cranberry sauce. We covered key ingredients like turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices. You learned to mix the meatball mixture and prepare the sauce. Cooking tips and variations showed how to adjust flavors and methods. This dish is flexible and easy to store, making it great for meal prep. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy making these meatballs your own!

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Cranberry Meatballs! Made with juicy ground turkey or chicken and a delightful blend of flavors, these meatballs are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Discover the simple recipe that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Click through now for the full recipe and tips to make your meatballs irresistible!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey or chicken

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1 cup cranberry sauce (using canned is perfectly acceptable)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients until well incorporated, ensuring even distribution of all components.

    Form the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the formed meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

      Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For an added layer of flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and brown them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice golden crust. This step is not mandatory but enhances the overall taste of your meatballs.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and freshly grated ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

          Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the cooked or uncooked meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs carefully, making sure each one gets coated with the glorious sauce.

            Cook: Cover the slow cooker lid and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cook until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully together.

              Serve: Once cooking time is complete, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce again. Use a slotted spoon to serve them hot.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve your luscious meatballs on a vibrant platter garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing burst of color. Provide toothpicks for easy serving, making them perfect for gatherings and parties!

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?