This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
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