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Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Cranberry Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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5 from 89 reviews

Deliciously tender and flavorful turkey meatballs simmered in a homemade sweet and spicy BBQ cranberry sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for a delightful party appetizer or cozy meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

BBQ Cranberry Sauce

  • 1 batch homemade cranberry sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups spicy BBQ sauce (or BBQ sauce of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)

Meatballs

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey (or ground chicken)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ Cranberry Sauce: In the bowl of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, combine the homemade cranberry sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and set aside.
  2. Make the Turkey Meatballs: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, egg, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, ground sage, dried thyme, ground cumin, allspice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use clean hands to mix all the ingredients evenly and then shape the mixture into 20 uniform meatballs.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the meatballs carefully in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides by turning them gently every few minutes using tongs or a fork. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes total. Work in batches if needed. Once browned, transfer the meatballs into the slow cooker bowl containing the BBQ cranberry sauce.
  4. Slow Cook the Meatballs: Gently spoon some of the BBQ cranberry sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker to coat them evenly. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through completely.
  5. Serve: When ready to serve, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. Offer toothpicks for guests to serve themselves or place the meatballs on a serving plate for easy access. This dish makes approximately 20 meatballs, serving 10 people at 2 meatballs each.

Notes

  • Using lean ground turkey helps keep the meatballs healthy and moist.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Make sure to brown the meatballs well for added flavor and texture before slow cooking.
  • Can be made a day ahead and reheated gently to enhance flavors.
  • Serve as a party appetizer or with sides like mashed potatoes or rice for a full meal.

Find it online: https://yummelle.com/slow-cooker-sweet-and-spicy-bbq-cranberry-turkey-meatballs-recipe/