This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Our favorite sweet and savory crockpot meatballs are prepped in only 5 minutes for the perfect no-fuss party appetizer!
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!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 4 hours
- 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
- 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.
- 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
More Like This
Crock Pot Appetizers
More Meatball Recipes
Collections
Crockpot Meatballs
Equipment
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 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Simply love these!
Do you know of any other brands of chili sauce that aren’t Heinz? I need a GF product and they can’t confirm that theirs don’t contain traces of gluten.
I think that Kikkoman may have one? There might be a generic brand at your local grocery store too. I’m sure if you google gluten free chili sauce some options will come up. Possibly even a homemade recipe if need be.
This is one of my sons favorite holiday foods!
Everyone loves these meatballs. Perfect for a party!
Made this tonight (with lots of extra guests over) and people raved about it! I asked for honest rating and by large margin most voted 5 stars! Big hit, super easy super yummy.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear!! Thank you for sharing! So glad that the meatballs were a hit!
There is another website called “Mandy in the making” and she used jellied cranberry sauce with a bit of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. It is divine and not as sweet as grape jelly!
Hey Darlene! That’s how my mom used to make them but I can’t remember if she used 1 can of jellied and 1 can of berried? Did you still use the brown sugar?
We loved these meatballs. I lost the recipe and found Lil Luna’s 😋
I made these just last night for a holiday gift exchange get together and they were delicious! Not a single meatball was left standing!! I look forward to trying out other recipes from Lil Luna!
Yay!! So glad to hear that. Hope you enjoy the other recipes too!
Made these for bunco night in my neighborhood! Didn’t last very long because they are delicious!
I only wish you had a place on your recipes to EMAIL to myself or a friend. Otherwise I always have to cut and paste which is a little annoying.
Thanks for the feedback!
These are always a party hit