Slow Cooker Gobbler Meatballs

Slow Cooker Gobbler Meatballs bring the joy of Thanksgiving dinner into a fun and easy meatball recipe that works perfectly for dinner or holiday appetizers. Combining ground turkey with stuffing and bubbling in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, these meatballs capture all the flavors you love about the holiday table with much less effort. It is perfect for crowd-pleasing gatherings or a comforting meal during chilly evenings when you want something cozy but fuss free.

I first tried these during a busy holiday season. Now they are a regular request by family and friends when I want to bring that familiar festive taste without the full Thanksgiving fuss.

Ingredients

• stuffing mix: choose your favorite flavor such as chicken, turkey, herb or cornbread this adds classic stuffing texture and seasoning to the meatballs
• unsalted chicken stock: helps moisten the stuffing, use unsalted to control salt levels since stuffing is already seasoned
• large eggs: bind the meatball mixture together for perfect shape and texture
• ground turkey: lean and mild, but you can swap for ground beef or chicken for different flavor profiles
• jellied cranberry sauce: provides the iconic sweettart holiday taste and smooth consistency that mixes well with the sauce
• chili sauce: adds tang and depth to the cranberry sauce look for economical store brands to keep costs low without losing flavor
• light brown sugar: balances the tang of chili and cranberry sauce with a touch of sweetness for harmonious flavor

Instructions

Saturate the Stuffing mix:

In a large bowl, combine two boxes of stuffing mix with two cups of warmed unsalted chicken stock. Stir thoroughly until the liquid is fully absorbed. Allow the mixture to rest for ten minutes so the stuffing softens and blends with the stock.

Add Eggs and Turkey:

Stir in two large eggs to the softened stuffing mixture creating a sticky base. Gently add two pounds of ground turkey and fold together carefully just until evenly mixed to avoid overworking the meat.

Preheat and Prepare for Baking:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Shape the Meatballs:

Using a tablespoon sized scoop or your hands, roll the turkey mixture into balls roughly one and a half tablespoons each. Place them spaced about one inch apart on your lined baking sheets to ensure even cooking.

Bake to Brown and Set:

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. This step helps lock in moisture and creates a firm texture so they won’t fall apart later.

Mix the Sauce:

While the meatballs bake, whisk together a 28 ounce can of jellied cranberry sauce, a 24 ounce jar of chili sauce, and four tablespoons of packed light brown sugar in a large bowl. Some lumps in the cranberry sauce are fine.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce in Slow Cooker:

Spray an eight quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Transfer the baked meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly with sauce.

Slow Cook Gently:

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. To prevent the sauce from burning or sticking, stir the meatballs every 30 minutes carefully scraping the sides and bottom.

Serve and Enjoy:

When cooked through and tender, serve the Gobbler Meatballs hot. They shine on their own, but are also delicious alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

The jellied cranberry sauce is my favorite ingredient here because it melts into such a smooth tangy base that perfectly complements the mild turkey. Watching these meatballs simmer and absorb all those flavors reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone gathers to share stories and laughter.

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different texture or flavor. If you prefer whole cranberry sauce for more texture, it works too but the smoothness of jellied cranberry yields the best sauce consistency. Brown sugar can be omitted or replaced with honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions

Offer these meatballs as appetizers at a party kept warm in the slow cooker on the low or warm setting. For a full meal, pair with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate.

These Slow Cooker Gobbler Meatballs make holiday flavors easy and mostly hands off. They reheat well and are great for parties or weeknight dinners.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Do I need to bake the meatballs before slow cooking?

Baking the meatballs first helps them hold their shape and develop a golden crust, but you can cook them directly in the slow cooker if preferred.

→ Can I prepare these meatballs on the stovetop?

Yes, cook meatballs on the stove until browned, then simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to meld flavors.

→ What sides go well with these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the rich flavors perfectly.

→ Where can I find chili sauce for the sauce mixture?

Chili sauce is usually located near ketchup or condiments in most grocery stores; store brands offer budget-friendly options.

→ How do I prevent the meatballs from burning in the slow cooker?

Cooking on low heat and stirring every 30 minutes helps avoid burning and ensures even cooking.