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This post is all about Slow-Cooked Cranberry Chili Meatballs.
These slow-cooked meatballs are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors featuring a tangy cranberry chili sauce infused with garlic. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting meal they are easy to prepare and require minimal effort.
The recipe utilizes simple ingredients and a slow cooker allowing the meatballs to absorb the rich flavors while remaining tender and juicy.
Overview of Slow-Cooked Meatballs
Slow-cooked meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that can elevate any meal. The combination of sweet and spicy from the cranberry chili sauce creates a unique taste experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
These meatballs are perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Their tender texture and rich flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, and the ease of preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to these meatballs lies in the quality of the ingredients. Ground beef serves as the base, providing a hearty foundation. When combined with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, the meatballs achieve a delightful texture that holds together beautifully.
Garlic adds a fragrant note, while the cranberry and chili sauces bring a tangy sweetness and a hint of heat. This balance of flavors is what makes the dish so appealing, and garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste that complements the overall dish.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing these meatballs is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Start by mixing the ground beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings to create a cohesive mixture. Forming the meatballs into uniform sizes ensures even cooking, which is essential for achieving that perfect tenderness.
Once the meatballs are shaped, they are coated in the rich cranberry chili sauce. This step is crucial, as it allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors while they cook, resulting in a dish that is bursting with taste.
Cooking Process
Using a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process significantly. With just a few hours of cooking time, the meatballs become incredibly tender and flavorful. The low and slow method allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that is both rich and satisfying.
Whether you choose to cook them on low for six hours or on high for three, the result will be the same: perfectly cooked meatballs that are ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs can be served in various ways, making them versatile for any occasion. For a casual gathering, toothpicks make for easy serving, allowing guests to enjoy them as finger food. Pairing them with a side of fluffy rice complements the dish and provides a hearty base.
For those who prefer a lighter option, serving the meatballs over a bed of greens can create a refreshing meal. The extra sauce on the side is perfect for drizzling over the meatballs or rice, enhancing the flavor even further.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
Presentation plays a significant role in the dining experience. Serving these meatballs on a rustic wooden table adds warmth and charm to the meal. The inviting atmosphere is enhanced by the vibrant colors of the dish, with the glistening sauce and fresh parsley creating an appealing visual.
Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, the combination of flavors and the inviting presentation will surely impress your guests and create lasting memories around the table.
Easy Slow-Cooked Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are made with ground beef and seasoned with garlic, then simmered in a flavorful cranberry chili sauce. The dish takes about 6 hours in the slow cooker and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with toothpicks or over rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 meatballs
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
