Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs – Sweet, Savory & Holiday-Perfect!

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to make your slow cooker the star of the table with a dish that’s cozy, festive, and incredibly easy? 🦃🍒

Few dishes capture the spirit of the holidays quite like cranberry-infused comfort food. These Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are a modern classic with traditional roots—simple ingredients, gentle cooking, and flavors that feel right at home on a festive table. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or a stress-free potluck dish, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor with minimal effort.

Turkey meatballs offer a lighter alternative to beef while still being hearty and satisfying. Slow cooking keeps them tender and juicy, allowing them to soak up the rich, glossy cranberry sauce as it simmers. The sauce itself strikes a beautiful balance—sweet from cranberry and honey, savory from garlic and seasoning, and just tangy enough to keep every bite interesting. It’s the kind of flavor combination that feels nostalgic yet fresh.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ease. Everything comes together in the crockpot, freeing you to focus on enjoying the day rather than hovering over the stove. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, over mashed potatoes, or alongside rice for a comforting meal. However you enjoy them, these meatballs bring people together—just like holiday food should. 🎄✨

Let’s slow things down, keep it simple, and cook something that feels both comforting and celebratory. 👩‍🍳💛

🧺 Ingredients

Turkey Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)

Cranberry Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

🥣 Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
3. (Optional but recommended) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This adds flavor but doesn’t cook them through.
4. Place meatballs into the crockpot in a single layer.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth.
6. Pour the cranberry sauce evenly over the meatballs.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
8. Gently stir once during cooking to coat meatballs evenly.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or orange zest if desired.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 4 hours
⏳ Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~310
🍽️ Servings: 6

• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 480mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️