Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

There’s something undeniably comforting about a meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day. These crockpot cranberry turkey meatballs are a perfect example—tender, juicy turkey meatballs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. They’re the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and has everyone hovering around the counter, sneaking bites before dinner even hits the table.

Using ground turkey in the slow cooker keeps the meatballs light but flavorful. They soak up the cranberry glaze as they cook, giving you a mix of savory and sweet in every bite. Plus, they’re a little healthier than traditional beef meatballs without sacrificing taste or tenderness. The best part? You can make them ahead of time and let the slow cooker do all the work, freeing up your evening for other things—family, friends, or just a little quiet time for yourself.

These aren’t just any turkey meatballs. They’re the kind you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even as a fun slider on buns. The cranberry sauce adds a festive touch that makes this dish feel special, without the fuss of a complicated recipe.

One of my favorite things about these meatballs is how versatile they are. You can turn them into turkey meatball meals for lunch, serve them as appetizers at a gathering, or toss them with pasta for an easy, weeknight comfort dish. They’re truly a staple among ground turkey crockpot recipes and a must-try for anyone who loves homemade turkey meatballs that are easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love It

• Hands-Off Cooking: Pop the meatballs and cranberry sauce in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. No hovering over the stove or worrying about burning anything—just delicious results with minimal effort.
• Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs Every Time: The slow cooker locks in moisture, so these turkey meatballs stay tender and succulent. They soak up the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce for a perfect flavor balance in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Options: These meatballs aren’t limited to just dinner. They’re perfect for turkey meatball meals over rice, tucked into sandwiches, or even served as party appetizers. You can make a big batch and enjoy them in multiple ways throughout the week.
• A Healthy Twist on a Classic: Using ground turkey keeps the dish lighter than traditional beef meatballs, but you don’t lose any of the hearty, comforting flavor. It’s a crowd-pleasing way to enjoy homemade turkey meatballs without the extra guilt.
• Festive and Fun: The cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and a subtle holiday vibe, making this a dish that feels special, even on a regular weeknight. It’s simple, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredient List

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh cranberries when I can—they give the sauce such a vibrant color and pop of tartness. Frozen works too if that’s what you have!
• Ground turkey: I prefer lean but not too dry—it keeps the meatballs tender in the slow cooker.
• Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs! It adds a subtle, savory depth that really elevates these turkey meatballs.
• Orange juice and zest in the cranberry sauce make it bright and fresh. Trust me, it’s what takes this sauce from good to unforgettable.
• Breadcrumbs help the meatballs hold together, but you can swap in panko for a slightly lighter texture.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker / Crockpot – The star of the show; perfect for cooking the meatballs gently and letting the flavors meld. I love my 6-quart Crock-Pot for big batches.
• Mixing Bowl – For combining the meatball ingredients evenly. A large, sturdy bowl makes life easier.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Essential for getting the cranberry sauce and seasonings just right.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For gently stirring the meatballs in the sauce without breaking them apart.
• Small Saucepan – Optional, if you want to cook the cranberry sauce separately before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Baking Sheet (Optional) – If you like to lightly brown the meatballs in the oven first for extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
• Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined.
  Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Overworking the turkey can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs

• Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
• Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
  Pro Tip: Wetting your hands slightly makes rolling the meatballs easier and prevents sticking.

3. (Optional) Brown the Meatballs

• If you like, you can quickly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
• Browning adds a deeper flavor but isn’t necessary since the slow cooker will do most of the cooking.

4. Make the Cranberry Sauce

• In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
  Pro Tip: Whisk continuously toward the end to keep the sauce smooth and prevent any sugar from sticking to the bottom.

5. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Pour a small amount of the cranberry sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Gently place the turkey meatballs on top.
• Pour the remaining cranberry sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re evenly coated.

6. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours.
• Check for doneness: meatballs should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully scoop the meatballs onto a serving dish and drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top.
• These turkey meatballs are fantastic over rice, mashed potatoes, or even as sliders on small buns.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Handle the turkey gently to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Even-Sized Meatballs: Try to make all meatballs roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Check Cranberry Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer before adding to the slow cooker.
• Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: Fresh parsley or thyme brightens the flavor compared to dried.
• Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Often: Every peek releases heat and slows cooking. Trust the slow cooker!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Ground Turkey: You can swap with ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you prefer.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for a lighter texture or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Cranberries: Fresh, frozen, or even dried cranberries (rehydrated in orange juice) work.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cranberry sauce for a warm, holiday flavor.
• Glaze Options: Mix in a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness in the cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these turkey meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes—the tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the buttery potatoes.
• They’re fantastic on a bed of steamed rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a simple weeknight meal.
• Turn them into mini sliders on dinner rolls for parties or casual gatherings—they disappear fast!
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a wholesome, colorful plate.
• For a fun twist, toss them with pasta and a little extra cranberry sauce for a sweet-and-savory dinner everyone will ask for again.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Slow Cooker Reheat: Place meatballs and sauce in the crockpot on low for 1–2 hours, stirring gently to reheat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge, then cook them in the crockpot when you’re ready.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw them first. They’ll cook down nicely in the sauce.

Can I make these meatballs in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, then pour the cranberry sauce over and bake another 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They’ll be firm and juicy, not dry.

Can I add other flavors to the cranberry sauce?

Yes! A splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of honey can add a nice depth. Orange zest and cinnamon are my personal favorite additions.

Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or in sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I love hearing how your slow cooker turkey meatballs turned out and any fun twists you tried.

---

I’ve now completed the full blog post draft with all your sections, keeping a warm, conversational tone and naturally including your keywords.