These easy Crockpot Meatballs are about to dazzle you with festive flavors. Smothered in sweet cranberry sauce and savory chili sauce, it’s THE party appetizer guests go crazy for! With each bite, the mesmerizing flavors will make your mouth dance with joy! And the best part is… you’ll just need 3 ingredients to make yours!

Meatballs with cranberry and chili sauce in crockpot with toothpicks inserted.

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Crockpot Meatballs

A ball of meaty perfection smothered in a sensational sauce…

These spectacular Crockpot Meatballs serve up outrageously satisfying flavors that are fit for any occasion!

Tiffany writes: “Just do it! Best and easiest recipe ever. These have been my Thanksgiving tradition every year and everyone texts me a week before get togethers requesting them. 5 out of 5 stars!”

Just put them out there hot and ready.

Then… get ready to watch how fast they vanish right into thin air!

Trust me, the heavenly pleasure you experience from these meatballs is simply extraordinary.

To start, the sweet and tangy sauce is made unbelievably amazing with a top secret ingredient: Chili Sauce!

The chili sauce perfectly compliments your delightful cranberry sauce.

And together, they create a most tantalizing glaze for your meatballs.

Seriously… when you combine cranberry sauce with chili sauce, the flavor of the meatballs goes through the roof! Without a doubt, these two ingredients create the best sauce for crockpot meatballs!

Then, when they’re done cooking, you can keep them warm when you serve them straight from your slow cooker with a side of toothpicks.

So EASY!!

These sensational meatballs are the ultimate crowd please for holidays and game day alike. And they can also be used to give a delicious cranberry twist to your meatball sandwich.

Oh… and it can be our little secret just how easy they were to make.

As in just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. That’s it!

Then, you just toss everything in your slow cooker and wait for the magic to happen.

Believe me, these are going to be one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make!

I know you’ll love these tasty BBQ Meatballs, too!

Now let’s get these meatballs cooking, shall we?

Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Related: 75 Best Appetizer Recipes for Parties

Can I Cook Frozen Meatballs In Slow Cooker?

So are you wondering: Do I thaw meatballs before putting in crockpot? The answer is NO for this crockpot meatballs appetizer. Today we’ll be making frozen meatballs in the crockpot!

For this recipe, you’ll simply place your frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker. Then you’ll cover the meatballs with your 2 ingredient sauce.

That’s all you have to do.

This 3 ingredient crockpot meatballs recipe really is SO easy to make!

Can of jellied cranberry sauce and bottle of chili sauce.

Crockpot Meatballs Ingredients

Pick up these 3 Easy Crockpot Ingredients at the grocery store to create the ultimate cranberry meatballs appetizer that everyone will be fighting over…

  • Frozen Meatballs
  • Jellied Cranberry Sauce
  • Chili Sauce

You can also make these delicious cranberry meatballs using this easy Homemade Meatballs Recipe!

Related: How To Get The Best Walmart Grocery Deals

Meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker.

How To Make Crockpot Meatballs

You won’t believe how EASY it is to make the BEST Party Crockpot Meatballs at home!

It takes just a few easy steps to create these delicious crockpot meatballs with cranberry sauce and chili sauce.

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. To get started, grab out a 5 – 6 quart Crock Pot.

2. Add your ingredients and cook.

3. When done, serve straight from slow cooker with toothpicks, or serve up as a delicious appetizer or dinner entreé.

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Spoon scooping meatballs from a slow cooker.

What To Serve With Crockpot Meatballs

So are you wondering what to serve with this easy meatball party appetizer?

Typically these crockpot meatballs are served as a party appetizer or for holiday dinners.

But if you want to change things up a bit, go for it!

Here are some more delicious ideas…

Meatballs stuck with toothpicks on a small plate.

Crockpot Meatballs Reviews

Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe…

One reader writes: “Saucy, spicy and sweet!  Perfect for halftime.”

Kim writes: “Sweet and tangy!”

Tiffany writes: “Just do it! Best and easiest recipe ever. These have been my Thanksgiving tradition every year and everyone texts me a week before get togethers requesting them. 5 out of 5 stars!”

Ryan writes: “These are the best party meatballs.”

Rebecca writes: “This was a very easy recipe and every time I make it the compliments are plentiful!!”

Lisa writes: “Such a great snack for game day!”

Jennifer writes: “This is a huge hit when I make it! 10/10 recommend”

Tiffany writes: “I make these at least every other week!!!  Everyone who tries them loves them!!!”

Cathy writes: “Meatballs were a hit, perfect balance of sweet & tangy.”

Mary Jo writes: “This is my go-to meatball recipe.  It’s so easy to make and tastes yummy.  I’ve gotten numerous requests for this recipe.”

Amber writes: “I had a mock Thanksgiving dinner one night and made turkey meatballs with this sauce.  I honestly did not expect it to be as tasty as it was!”

Leslie writes: “This was really good.  Makes a perfect appetizer.”

Skadia writes: “Made these for a Christmas Party – they were very well received and no left overs!”

Angela writes: “Made these for Christmas Eve!  Everyone loved them and they were SO easy!  Definitely a keeper!”

Jasmine writes: “These were a hit at the office holiday potluck!”

Meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker.

Kristin writes: “I made this for Christmas and it was a big hit! Delicious”

Mandie writes: “Super easy and delicious! My son loved them.”

Lisa writes: “I make these for parties.  Easy and well liked.  Use my own meatballs that I bake in the oven, then add to sauce and keep warm.”

Jenna writes: “Love these!!!!! So easy! I made a double batch and they were gone in no time.”

Devon writes: “Super easy to make! Change of pace from the grape jelly ones.”

Melissa writes: “I made these for Thanksgiving and added 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Delish”

Jessica writes: “My kids love this. We use this recipe to make meatball subs. You can also substitute grape or apple jelly instead of cranberry sauce. All very good!”


Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
5 from 11 votes

Crockpot Meatballs

These easy Crockpot Meatballs are about to dazzle you with festive flavors. Smothered in sweet cranberry sauce and savory chili sauce, it's THE party appetizer guests go crazy for! With each bite, the mesmerizing flavors will make your mouth dance with joy! And the best part is... you'll just need 3 ingredients to make yours!
Servings: 9 people
Meatballs with cranberry and chili sauce in crockpot with toothpicks inserted.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Gather your ingredients.
  • Combine Cranberry Jelly and Chili Sauce in a bowl, and stir until well combined.
  • Based upon your preferences, you can alter the proportions of cranberry jelly (sweet) and chili sauce (tangy).
  • Add Frozen Meatballs to Crockpot and cover with sauce mixture.
  • Heat on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
    Meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker.
  • Once they’re nice and hot, let simmer on LOW or WARM setting, and serve straight from your slow cooker. ENJOY!
    Meatballs with toothpicks in a slow cooker.

Notes

What To Serve With Crockpot Meatballs
Typically these crockpot meatballs are served as a party appetizer or for holiday dinners.
But if you want to change things up a bit, go for it! Here are some more delicious ideas...
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!

More Easy Meatball Recipes

This recipe for crockpot meatballs gets gobbled up so quickly at my house! They’re sweet… and tangy… and super-easy to make!

So are you craving even more of the easiest meatballs recipes ever?  I’ve got some ideas I know you’re really going to love.

Have fun exploring these yummy recipe ideas below…

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Whether you need an appetizer or an entree, these easy Crock Pot Italian Meatballs deliver loads of flavor!

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Make these meatballs as an appetizer, or serve as a main course with rice for dinner.  Have a little party no matter the day!

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Be sure to also try these taste bud pleasing Easy Appetizer Recipes

Crockpot BBQ Coca-Cola Kielbasa Recipe

Every tasty bite of this Crockpot BBQ Coca-Cola Kielbasa Recipe will send you on a flavor adventure!

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The combination of ranch and barbecue make it pretty much irresistible!  So go grab the toothpicks, and let your guests go to town!

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This Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe is an absolutely delicious and mouth-watering appetizer!

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These simple appetizer dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and will vanish before your eyes!  They’re guaranteed to be the hit of any party!

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Whether you’re on the hunt for easy crockpot meals for busy nights, or the best Crockpot Party menu with fun Appetizers, Dips, Drinks, ands Desserts… it’s time for some tasty ideas!

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So have you tried this perfect for kickoff Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs Recipe yet?

Leave a comment & share!

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

5 from 11 votes

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30 Comments

  1. Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl says:

    5 stars
    You know, it’s been a long time since I actually used my crackpot but I think I’ll have to as meatballs are one of my favourites! Thank you for sharing, love how little ingredients are needed, these really would be perfect for whipping up for get togethers.

    1. Heidi says:

      The Crock Pot really is the perfect tool for serving up party appetizers!

  2. David @ Spiced says:

    5 stars
    Talk about an easy and delicious appetizer idea! The spicy and sweet combo would be absolutely mouthwatering here. With the holiday season coming up, this would be such an easy appetizer idea for parties!

    1. Heidi says:

      You really can’t go wrong with these sweet and spicy meatballs at a party!

  3. Allie Mackin says:

    Oh wow, these do not look like they are to hard to make or are too involved. And agree they are a good go to for game days. Thanks for posting this tasty recipe!

    Allie

    1. Heidi says:

      They really are crazy easy to prepare!

  4. Raymund says:

    5 stars
    These Meatballs sound like the ultimate party dish, so simple but packed with flavor! I love how you can just throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The combination of cranberry and chili sauce is a genius twist, and I can already imagine how sweet, tangy, and delicious it must be. Yum!

    1. Heidi says:

      These slow cooker meatballs really are quite tantalizing!

  5. Kim Lange says:

    5 stars
    These are perfect for gameday, parties and anytime you want an easy appetizer that everyone want to devour! Can’t go wrong! YUM!

    1. Heidi says:

      They really are so good. I can never have just one!