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Our favorite sweet and savory crockpot meatballs are prepped in only 5 minutes for the perfect no-fuss party appetizer!

Crockpot Meatballs poked with toothpicks on a white plate.
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Who here loves MEATBALLS?

We do!! We first had these crockpot meatballs at a New Year’s party decades ago and now we make this sweet and spicy appetizer ALL of the time! The best part is that you literally dump everything in the crock pot and let it cook – only 5 minutes of work!

Frozen meatballs keep it extra simple. We store a few bags in our freezer so we can make these anytime we decide to host a party, need something for a potluck, or just want some meatballs!

If you like these crockpot meatballs, you’ll love Grape Jelly Meatballs, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Favorite app. Meatballs make the perfect crockpot appetizer for parties, showers, and large gatherings!
  • Taste amazing. They get rave reviews and the entire crock pot is always empty by the end of the event.
  • Just dump and cook! Two thumbs up for simple and quick to throw together, especially when you’re running around getting ready for a party!
Frozen meatballs, ketchup, and other seasonings out on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) bottle ketchup
  • 1½ cups cold water
  • 1 cup brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • 1 cup red currant jelly – or huckleberry jam, grape jelly, or apple jelly 
  • juice from 2 lemons – about 5 tablespoons, or bottled lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs – Use pork, chicken, or turkey meatballs. If using homemade Easy Meatball Recipe, lightly brown in a skillet with oil before adding them to the crockpot.
  • optional flavor additions – Add a dab of mustard and a dash of liquid smoke. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

How to Make CrockPot Meatballs

  1. COMBINE. Place 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup chili sauce, 1 cup jelly, 14 ounces ketchup, ½ teaspoon ginger, 1½ cups cold water, and lemon juice from 2 lemons in your crock pot. Add 32 ounces of frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
  2. HEAT. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. Turn the setting to warm for up to 4 hours.

PRO TIP: How Many to MAke?

  • Appetizer or hors d’oeuvre: 3 per guest
  • Main dish: 6-8 per guest
Crockpot Meatballs close up image on white dish.

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5 from 214 votes

Crockpot Meatballs

By: Lil’ Luna
Our favorite sweet and savory crockpot meatballs are prepped in only 5 minutes for the perfect no-fuss party appetizer!
Servings: 50 meatballs
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (14-ounce) bottle ketchup
  • cups cold water
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • 1 cup red currant jelly, or grape or huckleberry jelly
  • juice of 2 lemons
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs

Instructions 

  • Combine ketchup, cold water, brown sugar, chili sauce, jelly, lemon juice, and ginger in your slow cooker. Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6–8 hours. Turn the setting to warm for up to 4 hours.

Video

Notes

Easy Homemade Meatballs.  Lightly brown homemade meatballs before adding to the crock pot.
How many to make? When serving as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre plan to make 3 per guest. If serving as part of the main entree then plan for 6-8 per guest.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball, Calories: 41kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.03g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.01mg, Sodium: 77mg, Potassium: 32mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 37IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 214 votes (182 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




69 Comments

  1. Lindsey Richardson says:

    5 stars
    So easy and yummy!!!!

  2. Kennadi Cluff says:

    5 stars
    Used these for a lunch with my family and they were super good!

  3. Kim William says:

    5 stars
    Amazing

  4. Jaime Campbell says:

    5 stars
    These are my daughters favorite! I love how easy it easy to throw t all in the crockpot and forget about it until we’re ready to eat!

  5. Leanna Miller says:

    Can’t wait to try!

  6. Heather Ferraro says:

    5 stars
    These last maybe 10 minutes in my house!!

    1. Jill says:

      Could I do little smokies and meatballs in the same crockpot? Or would you recommend not combining them?
      Some family members may prefer one over the other and wasn’t sure if I needed to prepare to separate crock pots? Thanks.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        You could probably combine them. I haven’t ever tried, but they are essentially just heating up in the sauce together. So, I’d say whatever you prefer. Keeping them separate may be easier for serving, but if you don’t have two crockpots, then combining may be a fine option too.

  7. Rachel DeMille says:

    5 stars
    These are so easy to make and they taste so good! They have become our favorite appetizer!

    1. Charissa Duclos says:

      5 stars
      Love these meatballs!! They’ll definitely be a part of my Christmas eve spread this year!

  8. Amy says:

    5 stars
    I love crockpot meatballs! The best appetizer for any occasion, and so easy too!

  9. Amy says:

    5 stars
    Love these!!

  10. JESSIe says:

    If I were using the little Smokies instead of the meatballs, like in your suggested variations, how many packs would I use and keep the ingredients the same?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I would use as packs that make it close to the 28 ounces. Really no wrong answer 🙂 Hope you like them!