Discover the ultimate convenience with our 3-ingredient crockpot meatballs. Perfectly savory and simple, the best part is that these meatballs are made in just a few minutes of prep time. Perfect for your next party!
Believe it or not, all you need are three basic ingredients to make these crockpot cocktail meatballs: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce. It’s a combination that might sound unconventional, but it works wonders in the slow cooker.
The frozen meatballs provide the meaty base, while the grape jelly adds a touch of sweetness and the chili sauce brings in just the right amount of tang and heat. Over a few hours, the meatballs will absorb the sweet and spicy flavors of the sauce, resulting in a delicious appetizer that’s both savory and slightly tangy.
Crockpot cocktail meatballs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer suitable for a wide range of events and gatherings.
Slow cooker meatballs are the perfect party food for throughout the holiday season, such as Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, as well as for game day.
These meatballs are also an excellent tasty appetizer for birthdays, potlucks, family reunions, baby showers, and casual get-togethers thanks to their ease of preparation and simple ingredients.
How to Make Easy Cocktail Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of meatballs (about 48 frozen meatballs)
- 1 jar of chili sauce
- 1 jar of grape jelly

Instructions:
Place meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker. You don’t need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly from frozen.
In a separate bowl, combine the chili sauce and grape jelly.
Stir the mixture until the jelly and chili sauce are well blended.
Pour the grape jelly sauce over top of the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the meatballs are coated evenly.
Cover with the lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 hours on low.
Once the meatballs are hot, cooked through, and the sauce has thickened, they are ready to serve. You can keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting if serving them over an extended period.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
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Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs FAQs
If you’re looking for alternatives to grape jelly when making party meatballs, there are several options to consider. You can use apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, peach preserves, or orange marmalade to create a sweet and tangy sauce for your meatballs.
To determine how many meatballs to serve per person for 50 guests, consider the context of your event. For appetizers, plan on serving approximately 3-5 meatballs per person. If meatballs are the main dish, serving 6-8 meatballs per person is a good guideline.
Adjust the quantity based on factors like the presence of other food options, the age of your guests, and any dietary considerations. It’s also wise to have some extra meatballs to accommodate varying appetites and preferences.

Easy Cocktail Party Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs frozen meatballs (about 48 meatballs)
- 1 bottle (12-18 oz) chili sauce
- 1 jar (12-18 oz) grape jelly
Instructions
Place meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker. You don't need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly from frozen.
In a separate bowl, combine the chili sauce and grape jelly.
Stir the mixture until the jelly and chili sauce are well blended.
Pour the grape jelly sauce over top of the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the meatballs are coated evenly.
Cover with the lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 hours on low.
Once the meatballs are hot, cooked through, and the sauce has thickened, they are ready to serve. You can keep the slow cooker on the "warm" setting if serving them over an extended period.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
Notes
These meatballs are mildly spicy. If you are like me and don't really like a kick, omit the hot sauce. Or if you love a kick, add more hot sauce!
Can I Use Different Sauces to Make the Cocktail Meatballs Sauce?
There are so many simple ingredients that would be a great option here.
Pepper Jelly, Apple Jelly or Cranberry Sauce
Heinz Chili Sauce in place of the BBQ sauce
You can also substitute with turkey meatballs if you choose.
How do I Make Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
The crock pot is a great way to make this family favorite! Cook your crockpot meatballs on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. The best way to serve your slow cooker meatballs is in the crock on the warm setting.
How to Store This Cocktail Meatball Recipe
Store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or a frying pan. We love to use leftovers for easy school lunches in a thermos.
Kim Beaulieu
Thursday 28th of October 2021
These meatballs look so good. I love how easy they are to make.
Linda Manns Linneman
Friday 24th of November 2017
I love meat balls. These sound so good. I can't wait to try these out. Thank you for sharing
Laura Unger
Thursday 23rd of November 2017
This post is making me hungry. My stepdad always puts grape jelly in his meatballs and the first time I heard him talk about the recipe I thought he was crazy! It's so good, though!
Karley Moore
Tuesday 21st of November 2017
I'm definitely going to make these soon.
Lynne B
Monday 20th of November 2017
The first time I tried meatballs like this, I was so surprised one of the ingredients was grape jelly! I love that you added cayenne. I bet it nicely balances the sweet and savory.