These mouthwatering crockpot meatballs have the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Only 3 ingredients and your slow cooker make these the easiest game-day appetizer ever!
I love grab-and-go appetizers for parties. Some of my favorites are Hush Puppies ,fried pickles, and of course these crockpot meatballs. These are perfect for watching sports or adding to your party spread.
They come together with just 4 ingredients and are so sweet and tangy.
I just love sharing new ways for families to enjoy quick, flavorful dishes so that they can feed the family while having more time to spend together.
This Crockpot meatballs recipe doesn’t skimp on a flavor all the while helping you to have a quick low-prep meal for a busy night!
They literally are dumped in the crockpot, while you go about your day.
Serving Suggestions
- With a toothpick as a fun grab-and-go appetizer.
- On a hoagie roll: With cheese
- Add on top of cooked rice or pasta.
Ingredient Notes
- Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is a condiment that’s made with tomatoes and spices. It is a zestier version of ketchup. I used Heinz. If you don’t have any on hand you can add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to regular ketchup. Avoid using hot sauce like Sriracha here.
- Grape Jelly: A strange ingredient, but it adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Around Christmas time I like to substitute cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds another depth of flavor. Look for in the condiment aisle near the Ketchup.
- Meatballs: I used frozen, but homemade would work too.
How To Make Crock Pot Meatballs
- Prep work: Spray crockpot with nonstick spray or use a slow cooker liner.
- Sauce: Pour in all sauce ingredients.
- Cook: Add in meatballs and cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Can You Make Them In the Oven?
Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven if you wish. Place into a greased 9×13 inch pan and cook for around one hour at 350 degrees.
Variations:
- Mix up the jelly: Other flavors like apple or apricot would also be yummy. Around the holiday I like to use cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
- Change The Base: Use Ketchup or BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce.
- Meat Options: This sauce is also great on sliced kielbasa, little smokies, or even veggies.
- Italian Style: Use marinara sauce instead.
Can You Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this recipe a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
How To Reheat
The best way to reheat meatballs is to put them into a saucepan and heat them over medium heat until the meatballs are heated through in the center.
Can You Refreeze Them?
Yes, you can refreeze them as long as they were kept in the fridge, or at room temperature for less than 2 hours. Freeze in an air-tight container for up to 6 months. Thaw before enjoying again.
Tips
- You don’t need to thaw the frozen premade meatballs before cooking this recipe.
- Line your crock pot with a liner for easy clean-up.
- Sear the meatballs first for added flavor is desired.
More Crock Pot Favorites
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Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 24 Ounces Chili Sauce I used Heinz
- 1 ½ Cups Grape Jelly
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Pounds Frozen Meatballs
Instructions
- Spray crockpot with non stick cooking spray or use a liner.
- Pour in chili sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add meatballs and stir until well coated.
- Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Notes
- Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is a condiment that’s made with tomatoes and spices. It is a zestier version of ketchup. I used Heinz. If you don't have any on hand you can add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to regular ketchup. Avoid using hot sauce like Sriracha here.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds another depth of flavor. Look for in the condiment aisle near the Ketchup.
- You don’t need to thaw the frozen premade meatballs before cooking this recipe.
- Line your crock pot with a liner for easy clean-up.
- Sear the meatballs first for added flavor is desired.
Nutrition
These meatballs are exactly what I need for dinner tonight!
Oooh, these crockpot meatballs look heavenly!
These meatballs are going to be such a hit for our family gathering! Sounds so yummy and packed with so much flavor! I can’t wait to share this recipe with the family!
I needed a quick meat dish to serve with mashed potatoes and found these, the kids loved them, they were super easy to make and had so much flavor. These made for the perfect after-school meal!
These were so easy to make and very good! We all loved them for a quick family dinner.