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Ultra close-up macro of slow cooker cranberry jalapeno meatballs glistening in sweet spicy ruby red glaze with minced jalapeno

Slow Cooker Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

Crowd-pleasing slow cooker cocktail meatballs simmered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy ruby red cranberry glaze spiked with fresh minced jalapenos and lime.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 party servings (about 4-5 meatballs)
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Meatballs & Spicy Cranberry Glaze
  • 32 oz (2 lbs) homestyle or Italian beef meatballs pre-cooked frozen, or scratch beef/turkey meatballs
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce adds rich ruby texture
  • 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce melts down into smooth glaze
  • 1 bottle (12 oz) sweet chili sauce or Heinz chili sauce
  • 2 large fresh jalapenos seeded and finely minced (leave seeds for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice brightens and balances glaze
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro or green onions finely chopped for vibrant garnish

Method
 

Whisk Glaze & Combine in Slow Cooker
  1. Whisk Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, minced fresh jalapenos, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt until well combined and mostly smooth.
  2. Load Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the spicy cranberry glaze evenly over the meatballs, stirring gently with a silicone spoon until every meatball is completely coated.
Slow Cook & Serve Warm
  1. Simmer to Glossy Perfection: Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or on HIGH for 2 hours), stirring once halfway through so the glaze bubbles, thickens, and clings to every meatball.
  2. Garnish & Keep Warm: Switch slow cooker setting to WARM for serving. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro and extra thin jalapeno slices over top. Serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks or over steamed jasmine rice!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 16gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

Using a combination of whole berry and jellied cranberry sauces provides both luscious saucy coating and real berry texture. Adjust heat by leaving jalapeno ribs and seeds intact for fiery meatballs.

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