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Flavorful Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs Recipe with Cranberry Chipotle Sauce

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These crockpot cocktail meatballs are coated in a bright, smoky cranberry chipotle sauce with just the right touch of heat. Perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy nights in, the slow cooker does all the work for a juicy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned; panko works well)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (jelly or whole berry; homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate (about 20-24 meatballs).
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Adjust sweetness or heat as needed.
  4. Lightly grease the crockpot insert. Place meatballs inside in a single layer if possible, then pour the cranberry chipotle sauce evenly over them. Stir gently to coat all meatballs.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 160°F) and tender.
  6. Before serving, stir gently to distribute sauce evenly. If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.

Notes

To speed cooking, brown meatballs in a skillet before adding to crockpot (optional). Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep them tender. Adjust chipotle peppers for desired heat level. For thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes at the end. Gluten-free option: substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner meatball.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, cocktail meatballs, cranberry chipotle sauce, slow cooker recipe, easy party appetizer, smoky meatballs

Find it online: https://evabake.com/flavorful-crockpot-cocktail-meatballs-recipe-with-cranberry-chipotle-sauce/