Slow Cooker Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

cranberry jalapeno meatballs with toothpicks in a white bowl

4.50 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

These cranberry jalapeno meatballs are one of my favorite recipes, combining simple ingredients to create the ultimate festive appetizer or satisfying main course. The best part? You just toss everything into the crock pot and peace out while it cooks!

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time8 10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Author: Mary Smith

Ingredients

1 pack Amy Lu Jalapeno Cranberry Meatballs I get the large pack from Costco that has approximately 60 meatballs. Can also use 60 frozen meatballs of choice.
2 13 oz jars BBQ sauce I like The New Primal or Primal Kitchen brands
12 oz bag fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ cup water
½ cup honey or maple syrup (less or more to taste - depends on how you like your cranberry sauce!)

If making homemade paleo meatballs instead of store-bought:

2 lbs ground beef
¼ cup almond flour
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder

Instructions

For pre-made meatball version:

Start with the cranberry sauce. Heat cranberries and ¼ cup of water over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until cranberries begin to pop and soften. Add either honey or maple syrup. Use a wooden spoon to crush the cranberries against the side of the pan. Reduce heat to low and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Add meatballs to crock pot. Pour in both bottles of BBQ sauce. Add cranberry sauce and stir everything to combine. Set the crock pot on low and cook for 8-10 hours. Turn to the "warm" setting until ready to serve.

For homemade meatballs:

Preheat oven to 375. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix well using your hands. Roll meatballs into small (1 inch-ish) meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 15 minutes or until mostly cooked through. Add meatballs to crock pot along with BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce as noted above. Cook on low for 5-6 hours on low and then keep on "warm" for the remaining time.

Notes

If making your own meatballs, you can do this ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before using to make life easier on the day of your event!
If you can't find Amy Lu Cranberry Jalapeno meatballs, you can use 60 gluten free frozen meatballs and add them straight from the freezer!
If you like a spicy sauce you can add some red pepper flakes.
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through.

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