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!
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!
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!
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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.
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…
- Take as leftovers for a protein packed lunch
- For Dinner with a side of Loaded Smashed Potatoes
- On a Sub or Hoagie Sandwich Roll
- Take to a Holiday Potluck
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!”
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!”
Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 26 ounces Fully-Cooked Frozen Meatballs, Try this Easy Meatball Recipe or use a bag of store-bought meatballs (approx. 26 oz.)
- 14 ounces Jellied Cranberry Sauce, 1 can
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce
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.
- Once they’re nice and hot, let simmer on LOW or WARM setting, and serve straight from your slow cooker. ENJOY!
Notes
- Take as leftovers for a protein packed lunch
- For Dinner with a side of Loaded Smashed Potatoes
- On a Sub Sandwich Roll
- Take to a Holiday Potluck
Like 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!
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Have fun exploring these yummy recipe ideas below…
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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!
More Easy Appetizer Ideas
Be sure to also try these taste bud pleasing Easy Appetizer Recipes…
Crockpot BBQ Coca-Cola Kielbasa Recipe
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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!
75 Best Appetizer Recipes for Parties
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!
Sweet and spicy! The perfect treat for your taste buds. The best part it is a dump and forget about kind of recipe so you can enjoy the game but have a hot tailgating treat ready by halftime.
I loved your tailgating idea. These cranberry chili meatballs would be perfect for that!
All the guys in my family LOVE meatballs, Heidi, but none of the girls eat meat so they rarely get them. I’m so excited for this recipe because I’ll be able to surprise them at our next get together and they’ll be tickled pink. Big hugs, CoCo
I think your guys will love them. My three guys literally hover around the crockpot, devouring them one right after the other!
What an easy recipe! It’s perfect just in time for fall and cozy meals. Thanks for sharing Heidi!
It really is so easy… and the cranberry flavor makes these the perfect Fall snack!
I have a friend who used to make meatballs something like this, and bring them to potluck. Everyone always raved over them! I love cranberry, so this is really interesting to me. Thanks!
You really can’t go wrong with these meatballs. The flavor is outstanding!
What a delish and easy to make appetizer!
I love that you can just toss everything into a crockpot and let it do the work!
Not having to fuss over food makes a party even more fun!
I just love this appetizer for parties! So easy to make and so yummy. Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you like it. It really is the ultimate party snack.
I had no idea you could use frozen food in a slow cooker, this is such an eye opener – frozen meatballs are going on my shopping list next week!
No having to thaw the meatballs ahead of time really is a game changer!
This type of recipe is always a big hit a parties and holidays. Looks delicious and making it in a crock pot is a real plus.
I agree… and the crock pot keeps these tasty meatballs hot and ready all party long!
What a fantastic and EASY appetizer to whip up for the holidays or game nights! Love that you can dump it into a crockpot and leave it to do its thing 🙂
It really is crazy easy to prepare… and the sauce is heavenly!
Avec cette sauce cela doit être un délice
Bonne soirée
La sauce est vraiment délicieuse!