The Easiest Crockpot Meatballs: Best 3-Ingredient Party Appetizer

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Imagine a dish so simple to make, yet so delicious and impressive, it becomes your go-to for every potluck, holiday gathering, and game day. These 3-ingredient crockpot meatballs are about to be that recipe. With a unique, irresistible sauce made from a secret ingredient, they are sweet, tangy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. All you do is toss everything in your slow cooker and let the magic happen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: It takes just minutes of prep with only three ingredients.
• Unique Flavor: The combination of cranberry and chili sauce creates a truly special sweet and tangy glaze.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will devour these. They are the ultimate party appetizer.

What You Need

Ingredients:

• Frozen Meatballs: A 26-ounce bag of fully-cooked frozen meatballs.
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce: One 14-ounce can.
• Chili Sauce: One 12-ounce bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce.

Tools:

• 5-6 quart Crockpot
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or whisk

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Chili Meatballs

Making these meatballs is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple, step-by-step instructions.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

• Start with a bag of frozen, fully-cooked meatballs (about 26 oz).
• Grab one can (14 oz) of jellied cranberry sauce.
• Get one bottle (12 oz) of Heinz Chili Sauce.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and the chili sauce.
• Whisk the two ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and there are no lumps from the cranberry jelly.

3. Combine in the Crockpot

• Place the frozen meatballs directly into the basin of your 5-6 quart crockpot.
• Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, stirring gently to ensure every meatball is coated in the sauce.

4. Cook

• Cover the crockpot with its lid.
• Cook on the HIGH setting for 2 hours, or on the LOW setting for 4 hours.
• Stir the meatballs every 30-45 minutes to keep them evenly coated in the sauce as they cook.

5. Serve

• Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and bubbly, switch your crockpot to the “WARM” setting.
• Serve the meatballs directly from the crockpot with a side of toothpicks for easy serving.

Special Tips for Perfect Cranberry Chili Meatballs

Here are some special tips to make your cranberry chili meatballs stand out.

1. Customize the Sauce

The ratio of cranberry sauce to chili sauce is a matter of personal taste. For a sweeter, fruitier flavor, add a little more cranberry sauce. If you prefer a spicier, tangier kick, increase the chili sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, more savory flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Stirring

While a slow cooker is low-effort, it’s not a “set it and forget it” tool for this recipe. Stir the meatballs every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure every single one is coated evenly in that delicious, sticky sauce. This prevents some meatballs from drying out and others from getting mushy.

3. Thaw the Cranberry Sauce

For a smoother, lump-free sauce, briefly microwave the jellied cranberry sauce for about 30 seconds before mixing it with the chili sauce. This makes it much easier to whisk into a consistent glaze.

4. The Power of Garnish

Before serving, elevate your meatballs with a simple garnish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

5. Make it a Meal

While these meatballs are a classic appetizer, you can easily turn them into a full meal. Serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes, white rice, or even pasta. The sauce is so good, you’ll want something to soak it all up.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead

• Storage: Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in your crockpot on the low setting until warm.
• Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can combine the meatballs and sauce and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just pop them in the slow cooker a few hours before your event.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: For a little extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients.
• Different Sauces: Not a fan of cranberry? You can substitute grape jelly, apricot jam, or your favorite barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Homemade Meatballs: Feel free to use your own homemade meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot.

Common Mistakes

• Using Raw Meatballs: This recipe is designed specifically for fully cooked, frozen meatballs. Using raw meatballs will result in an uneven texture and they may not cook through properly.
• Not Stirring: The sauce can be thick, so stirring occasionally ensures every meatball gets coated in the delicious glaze and cooks evenly.
• Overcrowding the Crockpot: If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger crockpot to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to longer cooking times and a less effective sauce coating.

FAQ

• Do I have to thaw the frozen meatballs? No, you don’t! The beauty of this easy crockpot meatball recipe is that you can place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
• What is chili sauce? Chili sauce is a mild, tangy tomato-based condiment, not to be confused with hot sauce. It’s usually found in the condiment aisle of your grocery store.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! For a faster option, combine all the ingredients in your Instant Pot. Pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
• Can I use a different type of meatball? Absolutely. This recipe works with beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs. Just be sure they are fully cooked.
• How do I transport these to a party? Use a slow cooker with a locking lid to prevent spills. Most crockpots also have a “warm” setting, so you can keep the meatballs hot and ready to serve at your destination.

Conclusion

This viral crockpot meatball recipe is proof that the most delicious things can also be the simplest. In just a few easy steps, you can create a memorable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Go ahead and give this one a try—you won’t be disappointed! Be sure to save this recipe on Pinterest so you always have it ready for your next event.

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