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Sweet + savory Crock Pot meatballs are packed with flavor, and perfect for parties. They are SO easy, yet SO tasty!
If you like these crockpot meatballs, you’ll love these other flavors: Grape Jelly Meatballs, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.
Who here loves MEATBALLS?
We recently had some at a New Year’s party that were so stinkin’ delicious I knew I had to give them a try. I did… and I fell in love with these crockpot meatballs!
Here’s why I’ve made this recipe several times since:
- Favorite app. Meatballs make the perfect 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.
- So easy! Two thumbs up for simple and quick to throw together, especially when you’re running around getting ready for a party!
Frozen meatballs work perfectly for this, but if you want to try Homemade Meatballs, you can try our recipe (it’s no-fail!)
Ingredients
- ketchup
- cold water
- brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
- chili sauce
- red currant jelly – Red currant jelly is our favorite to use. However, you can also use huckleberry jelly, grape jelly, or apple jelly.
- Lemon juice – Use fesh or bottled juice, about 5 tablespoons.
- ground ginger
- frozen meatballs – Use pork, chicken, or turkey meatballs. See below on how to use homemade meatballs.
You may think jelly would be odd with meatballs, but the combination along with the above ingredients and meatballs, is more savory than sweet and oh-so delicious!
How to Make Meatballs in a Crockpot
The best part of this crockpot meatball recipe is that you literally dump everything in the crock pot and let it cook. It only takes 5 minutes of work!
- COMBINE. Place brown sugar, chili sauce, jelly, ketchup, ginger, cold water, and lemon juice in your crock pot. Add frozen meatballs and stir so the meatballs are coated in sauce.
- HEAT + ENJOY! Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
variations
There are so many ways to change up this meatball crockpot recipe, but here are a few ways to do it:
- Add a dab of mustard and a dash of liquid smoke.
- Replace meatballs with little smokies.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep meatballs from falling apart? To keep raw meatballs from falling apart you can lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This not only adds great flavors but will form a nice crust that holds the meatballs together.
- Using leaner meat will also help keep the meatballs from falling apart.
- How long can they stay in the crock pot? After the meatballs have cooked, turn the setting on warm. The meatballs can stay on the warm setting for up to 4 hours. If you don’t plan to serve them within that time period, place them in the refrigerator after they have been cooked.
- How many to make? When the meatballs are being served as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre plan to make 3 per guest, but if you plan to serve the meatballs as part of the main entree then plan for 6-8 per guest.
storing info
- STORE. If you happen to have leftover crock pot meatballs, allow them to cool and store in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- REHEAT. The easiest way is in the microwave. However, the oven works well and keeps the flavor and texture. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 min.
For More Meatball Recipes We Love, Try:
Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) bottle ketchup
- 1½ 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 so meatballs are coated in sauce.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy and yummy!!!!
Used these for a lunch with my family and they were super good!
Amazing
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!
Can’t wait to try!
These last maybe 10 minutes in my house!!
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.
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.
These are so easy to make and they taste so good! They have become our favorite appetizer!
Love these meatballs!! They’ll definitely be a part of my Christmas eve spread this year!
I love crockpot meatballs! The best appetizer for any occasion, and so easy too!
Love these!!
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?
I would use as packs that make it close to the 28 ounces. Really no wrong answer 🙂 Hope you like them!