Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Thanksgiving meatballs cooked in a crockpot! They’re absolutely the stars of my holiday gatherings. Seriously, if you want an easy, delicious dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, this is it. Picture juicy meatballs simmering in a tangy cranberry-barbecue sauce, filling your home with that cozy holiday aroma. It’s a dish that’s not only super simple to whip up but also a total crowd-pleaser. I love that they can be made ahead of time and kept warm, so you can actually enjoy the festivities—how great is that?
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Meatballs Crockpot
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I usually use plain, but feel free to experiment with seasoned ones!)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (the fresh stuff makes a noticeable difference!)
- 1 egg (this helps bind everything together beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more if you really love garlic—who doesn’t?)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (trust me, it adds that festive touch!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (I like a sweet and tangy one for that perfect balance)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Meatballs Crockpot
Getting these Thanksgiving meatballs ready is a breeze! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and egg. Don’t forget those spices—garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper! Mix everything until it’s well combined; I like to use my hands for this—it’s messy but fun! Once mixed, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on how generous you are.
Now, it’s time to place those little gems into your crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce together until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover it up, set your crockpot on low, and let them cook for 4 to 6 hours. That’s it! You can kick back and relax while the magic happens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together until fully combined, making sure not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs—aim for about 1 inch in diameter. You should have approximately 20-25 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until well blended.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let them cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, serve them warm and enjoy the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time—just mix, roll, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Flavor-packed meatballs simmer in a deliciously tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, appetizers, or even a cozy family dinner—everyone will be raving about them!
- Can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the crockpot, so you can enjoy your time with friends and family without stress.
- Customizable! Adjust the spices or sauces to match your taste—make them your own!
- Gluten-free option available by using gluten-free breadcrumbs—everyone can dig in!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Meatballs Crockpot
To make sure your Thanksgiving meatballs come out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overmix the meat mixture; it can make the meatballs tough. Just gently combine until everything is nicely mixed. If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or sage. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time—every crockpot varies a bit, so check them around the 4-hour mark to ensure they’re tender, juicy, and cooked through. And remember, these meatballs can always be adjusted to your taste, so feel free to play with the spices and sauces!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these Thanksgiving meatballs cooked in a crockpot is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors such as different types of ground turkey or variations in sauces can affect the final nutritional content. Always check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your cooking and eating experience, and remember, these meatballs are all about flavor and joy!
FAQ Section
Can I use beef or chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While I love using ground turkey for its lean quality, you can definitely swap it out for ground beef or chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness accordingly!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! These Thanksgiving meatballs are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just pop them in the crockpot on the day of your gathering, and you’ll have a warm, delicious appetizer waiting for you!
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to ensure your meatballs are cooked through is to check the internal temperature. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make sure they’re no longer pink in the center.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Definitely! These meatballs freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the crockpot or microwave.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
You can serve these Thanksgiving meatballs with toothpicks for easy snacking, or pair them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even a salad for a complete meal. They also make a fantastic filling for sliders—just add some cheese and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of these Thanksgiving meatballs is super simple! Just allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop them back in the crockpot on low for about an hour or heat them in the microwave until warmed through. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Meatballs Crockpot: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Całkowity Czas: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious and easy recipe for Thanksgiving meatballs cooked in a crockpot.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form meat mixture into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
- Pour sauce over meatballs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 5 hours
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: Slow Cooking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 4 meatballs
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving meatballs crockpot
