The Ultimate Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Easy, Tangy, & Perfect for Parties

The secret weapon of any stress-free host, the centerpiece of every successful holiday gathering, and the undisputed champion of game day spreads: slow cooker meatballs. But forget the tired old grape jelly and chili sauce combo. We are leveling up your appetizer game with a sweet, smoky, and unbelievably tangy twist introducing the irresistible Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.

These meatballs take the effortless convenience of the slow cooker and marry it with the vibrant, seasonal flavors of cranberry and robust barbecue sauce. The result is a sticky, deeply flavored, and perfectly balanced appetizer or easy weeknight meal that practically makes itself. Dump, stir, and simmer that’s all the effort required for this show-stopping recipe. Whether you’re planning a major holiday event or simply need a hearty, quick dinner, these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. They are proof that some of the best culinary creations require nothing more than simple ingredients and the magic of low-and-slow cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the masterful way the sweet, tart whole berry cranberry sauce melts into the smoky barbecue base, creating a glossy, rich coating that clings perfectly to every single meatball. We enhance this fusion with depth providers like brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, ensuring the final sauce isn’t just sweet, but complex and utterly craveable. Get ready to put your slow cooker to work, because once you try these festive and flavorful Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs, they’ll become a guaranteed fixture in your entertaining rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: Effortless Flavor Fusion

If there is one recipe you need to bookmark for easy entertaining, this is it. The charm of these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs extends far beyond their festive color; they are a culinary triumph of convenience, flavor, and universal appeal. You will absolutely adore this recipe for multiple compelling reasons that cater both to the busy cook and the flavor enthusiast.

Unbeatable Convenience: Slow Cooker Magic

In the world of hosting, time is precious. This recipe is the definition of low-effort, high-reward. We utilize two full bags (a generous four pounds!) of frozen, pre-cooked cocktail-sized meatballs. This means zero prep work concerning the main protein. You simply combine the sauce ingredients in the crockpot, dump in the frozen meatballs, stir, and walk away. The slow cooker handles the rest, gently simmering the ingredients until the meatballs are infused with the complex cranberry BBQ sauce. This “set it and forget it” approach frees up hours, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax before your guests arrive.

The Perfect Flavor Contrast

What makes these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs truly stand out is the sophisticated flavor profile. Traditional BBQ sauce is rich, smoky, and savory. When you incorporate whole berry cranberry sauce, you introduce a delightful tartness and sweetness that cuts through the robustness of the BBQ. This isn’t cloyingly sweet; the addition of apple cider vinegar provides necessary acidity, while smoked paprika enhances the depth. The resulting sauce is sticky, tangy, slightly savory, and perfectly balanced a flavor combination that is absolutely addictive and far more interesting than standard sweet sauces. This unique flavor combination also makes them incredibly versatile, equally suitable for a formal holiday party or a casual sports gathering.

Ideal for Crowd Feeding and Versatile Serving

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings, making it perfect for feeding a large group without needing multiple dishes or complicated maneuvers. Furthermore, once they are cooked, the slow cooker transitions seamlessly to the “Keep Warm” setting. This means your Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs stay hot, saucy, and ready to serve for hours, ensuring that latecomers enjoy the dish just as much as the early birds. Serving options are limitless: stick toothpicks in them for a classic appetizer presentation, pile them high on slider buns for a mini-sandwich, or serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting weeknight meal. This versatility elevates them from simple appetizer to main dish potential.

Finally, you will love the beautiful, glossy finish of the sauce. The whole berries slightly break down but still offer texture, coating the meatballs in a rich, ruby-red glaze that looks absolutely stunning sitting on a buffet table. These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs don’t just taste good; they look festive and inviting, too. The fact that the ingredients are accessible year-round means this recipe isn’t just for the holidays it’s ready whenever you need a boost of delicious, slow-cooked goodness.

Why You Should Try These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Today

If you’re still on the fence about whether to make these flavorful appetizers, consider the compelling reasons below. These Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs offer tangible benefits that address common cooking challenges, ensuring a smooth and successful culinary experience.

Superior Flavor Over the Classic Version

While the traditional grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs are a nostalgic favorite, they often lack complexity. The cranberry base in this recipe introduces a necessary tartness that prevents the final product from becoming overwhelmingly sweet. Cranberries pair naturally with savory, smoky flavors, creating a more sophisticated profile. By adding depth agents like Worcestershire sauce (umami boost) and smoked paprika (extra smokiness), we elevate this simple appetizer into something truly memorable. You are not just coating frozen meatballs; you are slow-simmering them in a scratch-made, complex sauce that tastes gourmet.

Seasonal Relevance, Year-Round Availability

Although cranberries are strongly associated with the autumn and winter holidays, canned whole berry cranberry sauce is available year-round. This means you can tap into that cozy, festive flavor anytime the craving hits. These meatballs are absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s parties, offering a pop of holiday color and taste. But don’t limit them they shine equally well during football season or summer potlucks when you need an easy dish that travels well and requires no last-minute fuss. If you’re already prepping for the holidays, consider pairing this dish with a festive dip like our Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip for a dynamic duo.

Economical and Time-Saving Ingredient Use

The entire recipe relies on common pantry staples and affordable frozen ingredients. Frozen pre-cooked meatballs are cost-effective, readily available, and incredibly efficient. When combined with bottled BBQ sauce and canned cranberry sauce, you eliminate chopping, searing, and extensive mixing. This efficiency makes Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs ideal for meal prepping, last-minute gatherings, or when you’re facing a dauntingly long holiday cooking list. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you invest ten minutes of active prep time and let the crockpot do the work for 3 to 8 hours.

The Perfect Glaze and Texture

The texture of the sauce is another reason to try this recipe immediately. The inherent pectin in the whole berry cranberry sauce acts as a natural thickener. As it cooks slowly, the sugars caramelize slightly and the sauce reduces, resulting in a thick, sticky glaze that perfectly adheres to the meatballs. The use of whole berries ensures small bursts of tart cranberry flavor and texture, contrasting beautifully with the soft, tender meatballs. Once you experience the depth and cling of this sauce compared to thin, runny counterparts, you won’t go back.

So, whether you are a novice cook looking for an easy win, or a seasoned host seeking an elevated twist on a classic, these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. The minimal effort required for such a spectacular result is simply unbeatable.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Success in this recipe hinges on selecting the right base ingredients. Since there is virtually no chopping or complex prep, the flavor profile relies heavily on the quality and type of the sauces used. Below is a detailed look at the ingredients and the minimal equipment you’ll need to make these savory and sweet meatballs.

The Meatballs: Protein Base

• 2 (14-ounce) bags frozen pre-cooked cocktail-sized beef or turkey meatballs (approximately 4 pounds total):
  • Why frozen and pre-cooked? Using pre-cooked meatballs is the cornerstone of the recipe’s convenience. Since they are already fully cooked, the slow cooker time is dedicated solely to heating them through and infusing them with the sauce flavors. Using cocktail size (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) is ideal for appetizers, as they are perfectly bite-sized.
  • Beef vs. Turkey: Beef meatballs typically offer a richer flavor that pairs well with the robust BBQ sauce. However, turkey meatballs are a fantastic, lighter alternative that still holds up well to the slow cooking process. If dietary restrictions are a concern, ensure your chosen meatballs are gluten-free if necessary.
  • Important Note: This recipe uses a full 4 pounds of protein. This quantity requires a large slow cooker, ensuring all the meatballs are adequately submerged in the rich sauce.

The Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Flavor Components

• 1 (18-ounce) bottle of your favorite smoky or robust BBQ sauce:
  • Selection Tip: Choose a high-quality sauce that you genuinely enjoy. A smoky flavor (like a hickory or mesquite BBQ) works best here, as the smokiness provides a savory counterbalance to the tart cranberries. Avoid overly thin or extremely vinegary sauces, as they might not thicken properly in the crockpot. For an extra rich flavor, consider a molasses-based BBQ sauce.
• 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce (do not drain):
  • Whole Berry is Key: Unlike the smooth jellied variety, whole berry cranberry sauce provides texture and structural integrity. The berries melt down gently, distributing flavor and natural thickening agents throughout the sauce, resulting in that desirable glossy glaze. We use the whole can, liquid and all. If you have homemade cranberry sauce leftover from a holiday feast (like our Easy Cranberry Sauce), feel free to substitute, ensuring the total measurement is about 14 ounces.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar:
  • Role: This adds deep, molasses sweetness and aids in caramelization. While the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce already contain sugar, the extra brown sugar helps thicken the sauce and mellows the sharpness of the cranberry. Make sure it is packed tightly for an accurate measurement.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar:
  • Role: Acidity is essential for balancing sweetness. The vinegar brightens the overall flavor profile, preventing the sauce from becoming flat or heavy. It complements both the cranberry tartness and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce:
  • Role: This liquid gold provides a vital layer of umami (savory depth). It introduces notes of tamarind, molasses, and anchovy (though the flavor isn’t fishy), giving the sauce a rich, complex background flavor that distinguishes these meatballs from simple sweet appetizers.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:
  • Boosting Smoke: Even if your BBQ sauce is smoky, a little extra smoked paprika guarantees that deep, savory element. It adds color and complexity without making the dish spicy.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight heat):
  • The Kick: This is entirely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle layer of heat. The small amount won’t make the dish fiery, but it provides a pleasant warmth that enhances the savory nature of the Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.

Necessary Tools and Utensils

One of the best aspects of making Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is the minimal equipment required. Everything is designed for efficiency and easy cleanup.

1. Large Slow Cooker (6-quart or 7-quart): This is non-negotiable for this recipe due to the large quantity of 4 pounds of meatballs plus the volume of the sauce. A smaller 4-quart slow cooker will be too crowded, potentially preventing the meatballs from heating and coating evenly.
2. Sturdy Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the thick cranberry sauce with the BBQ base and dissolving the brown sugar before adding the meatballs.
3. Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping every last bit of the sticky cranberry sauce out of the can and ensuring the slow cooker basin is clean before transferring the meatballs.
4. Large Spoon or Heatproof Spatula: Necessary for gently stirring and coating the meatballs once they are added to the sauce.
5. Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements of brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

With these few simple ingredients and tools, you are ready to create the most popular appetizer at your next event. The total preparation time is truly under 10 minutes, making this recipe a hero in your culinary arsenal.

Detailed Recipe Instructions: Making Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Follow these steps precisely to achieve tender, perfectly coated Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs every single time. This process prioritizes building a uniform sauce before introducing the frozen protein, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce Base

Pour the entire contents of the bottle of BBQ sauce into the basin of a large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker (Crockpot). Ensure the sauce covers the bottom surface evenly. This thick, robust sauce forms the foundation of our cranberry glaze, providing the smoky, savory elements.

Tip: If you use a slow cooker liner, now is the time to insert it. This makes cleanup almost non-existent a huge advantage when dealing with sticky BBQ sauces!

Step 2: Add the Cranberry Element

Scoop the full can of whole berry cranberry sauce into the slow cooker on top of the BBQ sauce. Do not drain the cranberry sauce; all the liquid is necessary for the proper consistency of the final glaze. Use a rubber spatula to ensure all the cranberry sauce is added. Because the cranberry sauce is gelatinous, it will sit in a single mass on top of the BBQ sauce initially.

Step 3: Incorporate the Remaining Flavorings

Add the 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. These ingredients are crucial for building the complex, balanced flavor profile that defines the Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce Thoroughly

Using a sturdy whisk, combine all the sauce ingredients until the mixture is uniform. Whisk vigorously to break up the large chunks of cranberry sauce and ensure the brown sugar has mostly dissolved into the liquid. It is okay if small lumps of cranberry sauce remain; they will melt down completely during the long cooking process. This step ensures that every meatball is coated in a perfectly seasoned sauce, rather than having pockets of unmixed ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs

Open both bags of frozen cocktail meatballs and pour the full 4 pounds directly into the slow cooker. Crucial Tip: Do not thaw the meatballs before adding them! They should go into the crockpot straight from the freezer. Adding frozen meatballs helps maintain the temperature gradient and prevents the sauce from thinning out too quickly.

Step 6: Coat the Meatballs Gently

Gently stir the frozen meatballs with a large spoon or spatula. Take your time during this step, ensuring that every meatball is completely coated with the cranberry BBQ sauce. Make sure none of the meatballs are left sitting dry on the surface or stuck together at the bottom. A complete coating ensures even flavor distribution and prevents drying out during cooking.

Step 7: Begin the Cooking Process (Two Options)

Place the lid securely onto the slow cooker. You have two excellent options depending on your schedule:

• High Setting: Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly heated through and the sauce is bubbling hot around the edges. This option is ideal if you are short on time.
• Low Setting: Cook for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow method allows the sauce to deepen in flavor and thicken naturally. If possible, stir occasionally during the last hour to ensure uniform heating and prevent any sticking, although this is usually unnecessary with adequate sauce volume.

Safety Note: Because we started with frozen, pre-cooked meatballs, the goal is reaching a safe serving temperature (above 165°F / 74°C) and ensuring the flavors have melded completely.

Step 8: Stir and Maintain Serving Temperature

Once the cooking time is complete, the meatballs should be tender and the sauce should be glossy and thick. Give the meatballs a final thorough stir to redistribute the sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick for your preference (sometimes happens on the longer Low setting), you may add 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth and stir again until the desired consistency is reached. If serving immediately, switch the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting. This is the beauty of crockpot appetizers; they stay hot and ready for guests for hours.

Step 9: Serve the Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Serve the Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs directly from the slow cooker with a bowl of decorative toothpicks nearby as an appetizer. For a heartier meal, serve them over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or nestled inside small slider buns topped with a creamy coleslaw. These savory-sweet delights are ready to impress!

Need a side dish that pairs perfectly with the slow cooker method? Try our Crockpot Green Bean Casserole for a completely hands-off meal prep.

Tips, Variations, and Common Mistakes for Meatball Success

While the recipe for Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect. Furthermore, understanding ingredient variations allows you to tailor this dish to any dietary need or preference.

Pro Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t Crowd the Pot: We specified a 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker for a reason. If your crockpot is too small for 4 pounds of meatballs, the center will take much longer to heat, and the sauce won’t distribute correctly. If you only have a smaller appliance, halve the recipe to maintain adequate space for even cooking.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, or consider adding a dash of hot sauce (like Sriracha or Tabasco) to the sauce base. For zero heat, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
• Perfecting the Glaze: If, after the recommended cooking time, your sauce is thinner than you desire, remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to High for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) added during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, sticky glaze.
• Serving Presentation: To make the meatballs look their best, garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few fresh cranberries before serving. The green and bright red contrast makes them look particularly festive, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredient Alternatives and Specific Variations

The core structure of these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is highly adaptable, allowing for simple swaps to suit different diets or flavor preferences:

Protein Alternatives:

• Homemade Meatballs: If you prefer the flavor of homemade, raw cocktail meatballs (beef, pork, or a mix) can be used. You must brown them first in a skillet to render some fat and maintain their shape. Increase the cooking time on Low by 1 hour to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Plant-Based/Vegan: Use high-quality frozen vegan or vegetarian meatballs (made from pea protein, soy, or vegetables). Ensure your chosen BBQ sauce is free of honey or animal products.

Sauce Variations:

• Gluten-Free: The primary concern here is the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain wheat or barley. Opt for certified gluten-free versions of both ingredients to make the entire dish safe for those following a gluten-free diet.
• Spicy Cranberry BBQ: For a hotter profile, incorporate 2 tablespoons of jarred minced jalapeños or 1 tablespoon of Cranberry Jezebel Sauce into the base mixture.
• Sugar Reduction: While sugar is key to the texture, you can reduce the added brown sugar to 1/4 cup if desired. Note that the final sauce will be tangier and slightly thinner. You may need to add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to maintain the sticky glaze, or use the cornstarch slurry trick mentioned above.

For more great recipe ideas that are perfect for sharing, be sure to check out our Pinterest board.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

While the primary purpose of Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is to deliver maximum flavor and convenience for entertaining, it’s helpful to understand the nutritional components they bring to the table. Given the use of pre-made ingredients (BBQ sauce and frozen meatballs), exact nutritional data varies significantly by brand, but we can provide a general overview based on a 4-ounce serving (approximately 5-6 cocktail meatballs and sauce).

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per 4 oz Serving, 10 servings total):

(Note: These are approximations and highly dependent on the type of meatballs and BBQ sauce used, particularly regarding sodium and sugar content.)

• Calories: 300 – 350 kcal
• Protein: 18g – 25g (Excellent source due to the meat)
• Total Fat: 15g – 20g (Varies significantly based on beef/turkey choice)
• Saturated Fat: 5g – 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g – 35g (Primarily from sauces and brown sugar)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g – 2g
• Sodium: 500mg – 800mg
• Total Sugars: 20g – 25g

Benefits of Key Ingredients

Even in an indulgent appetizer, there are nutritional upsides:

1. High Protein Content (Meatballs): The generous portion of meatballs ensures each serving provides a significant amount of protein. Protein is essential for satiety, muscle maintenance, and energy levels. Using lean turkey meatballs can significantly lower the fat content while maintaining high protein.
2. Antioxidants from Cranberries: Cranberries are renowned for their high concentration of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help fight free radicals in the body. While canned cranberry sauce contains added sugar, the nutritional foundation of the cranberry fruit still provides beneficial compounds, including vitamins C and E.
3. Iron and B Vitamins: Beef meatballs are a great source of essential nutrients like iron (vital for oxygen transport) and B vitamins (critical for energy metabolism).
4. Vinegar for Digestion: Apple cider vinegar is often praised for its digestive benefits. In this recipe, it plays a role in flavor balancing, but vinegar in general is known to slightly aid in moderating blood sugar responses when consumed with a high-carb meal.

A Note on Sodium and Sugar: This is a party food, and convenience items like bottled BBQ sauce and canned cranberry sauce are naturally higher in sodium and refined sugars. If you are watching these levels, choose low-sodium BBQ sauce and consider using a lower-sugar homemade cranberry sauce substitute. Remember to enjoy these delicious Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs as part of a balanced diet!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Appetizer Is Here

If you’ve been searching for that perfect appetizer recipe the one that impresses guests yet requires almost zero effort then these Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are your answer. This recipe is a triumph of efficiency and flavor, combining the tart, vibrant notes of cranberry with the deep, smoky profile of robust BBQ sauce, all softened and enriched by the low-and-slow cooking process.

We’ve covered everything from choosing the right frozen meatballs to achieving that perfect, sticky glaze. The secret truly lies in the balance: using apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to cut through the sweetness, ensuring the finished product is complex, savory, and undeniably addictive. Whether you’re utilizing the speed of the High setting or letting the flavors deepen over a long cook on Low, the slow cooker guarantees moist, tender meatballs and a sauce that clings just right.

Remember the versatility of this dish: while it shines brightly during holiday gatherings alongside other festive appetizers like a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, it’s equally suited for a cozy Sunday dinner served over rice. This minimal-effort, maximum-flavor approach is exactly what stress-free home cooking should be about.

So, clear some space on your counter for your trusty slow cooker and prepare to be amazed by the results. Once you serve these glossy, ruby-red Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs, don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe and you can smile knowing how easy your secret truly is. Try this recipe today, share your results, and let us know in the comments how these delicious meatballs stole the show at your table!

Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs (Easy Holiday Appetizer)

These quick and easy slow cooker meatballs feature a sweet, tangy, and smoky cranberry barbecue glaze, perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or served over rice for dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 2 bags (14-ounce each) frozen pre-cooked cocktail-sized beef or turkey meatballs Approximately 4 pounds total. Do not thaw.

Cranberry BBQ Sauce

• 1 bottle (18-ounce) Smoky or robust BBQ sauce
• 1 can (14-ounce) Whole berry cranberry sauce Do not drain.
• 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (Optional, for a slight heat)

Equipment

• 6-Quart or 7-Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula

Method

 

Preparation and Cooking

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce Base: Pour the entire contents of the bottle of BBQ sauce into the basin of a large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker (Crockpot). Ensure the sauce covers the bottom surface evenly.
2. Add the Cranberry Element: Scoop the full can of whole berry cranberry sauce (do not drain) into the slow cooker on top of the BBQ sauce. Use a rubber spatula to ensure all the cranberry sauce is added.
3. Incorporate the Remaining Flavorings: Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Whisk the Sauce Thoroughly: Using a sturdy whisk, combine all the sauce ingredients until the mixture is uniform and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved into the liquid. It is okay if small lumps of cranberry sauce remain, as they will melt down during the cooking process.
5. Add the Meatballs: Open both bags of frozen meatballs and pour the full amount directly into the slow cooker. Do not thaw the meatballs before adding them; they should be placed in the crockpot while still frozen.
6. Coat the Meatballs: Gently stir the meatballs with a large spoon or spatula, ensuring that every meatball is completely coated with the cranberry BBQ sauce. Make sure none of the meatballs are left sitting dry on the surface.
7. Begin the Cooking Process (Two Options): Place the lid securely onto the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly heated through and the sauce is bubbling hot. Stir occasionally during the last hour if possible.
8. Serve: Once cooking is complete, give the meatballs a final thorough stir. Switch the slow cooker to the 'Keep Warm' setting for serving. Serve immediately with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.

Notes

If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth and stir well until the desired consistency is reached. For extra garnish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.