Elevate your appetizer game with our irresistible Slow Cooker Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs! Bursting with festive flavors, these tender meatballs are infused with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce and the savory goodness of stuffing mix. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners at home, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Join us as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and discover keto and low-carb versions of this delectable recipe.
Ingredients:
- Ground meat (turkey or beef) – 1 pound
- Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
- Stuffing mix (dry) – 1 box
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 1 cup
- Egg – 1, beaten
- Onion – 1, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) – 1 teaspoon each
- Olive oil – for frying
- Parsley – for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and dry stuffing mix. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- In the slow cooker, combine the cranberry sauce and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker:
- Gently place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the cranberry sauce mixture.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatballs on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Stuffing Varieties: Experiment with different varieties of stuffing mix such as cornbread, herb-seasoned, or wild rice for unique flavor profiles.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce according to your preference for a sweeter or tangier sauce.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Then, simply brown the meatballs and cook them in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications:
- Keto Version: Substitute the dry stuffing mix with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative. Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce or make your own keto-friendly cranberry sauce using erythritol or stevia.
- Low-Carb Version: Opt for a low-carb stuffing mix or omit it entirely. Use a reduced-sugar cranberry sauce or reduce the amount of cranberry sauce used to lower the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch? A: Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Simply brown them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey or beef? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your choice of ground meat for this recipe, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover meatballs? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Elevate your entertaining game with our delectable Slow Cooker Cranberry-Stuffing Meatballs! Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main dish, these tender meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Customize the recipe with your favorite stuffing mix and adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste preferences. Explore keto and low-carb variations for a guilt-free indulgence. Prepare a batch today and savor the delightful combination of cranberry and savory flavors!
