Easy Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

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Crockpot Meatballs require only a few ingredients with only a few minutes of prep. They are SO EASY to make, totally packed with delicious flavor and great for game-day parties or holidays. Let your slow cooker do all of the work for you!

Handing holding toothpick with a meatball stuck into it

Why This Recipe Works

Christmas might be done, but party season is still in full swing. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are nearly here, then come football parties and the Super Bowl and of course those lingering Christmas celebrations that we didn’t squeeze in during December.

Which means…PARTY FOOD! I love party food. Making food for a winter gathering is one of my favorite things in the world. There are so many options.

Finger foods, dips, antipasto skewers, cheese, meat, fruit pizza, brownies, chili, oh my gosh the list goes on and on and on. You’ll want to add these Easy Crockpot Meatballs to your menu, as well, because they are SO GOOD. And SO EASY.

Recipe Ingredients

Frozen meatballs – Italian sausage or traditional both work

Apricot preserves – Another fruit preserve will also work

Brown sugar

Ketchup

Worcestershire sauce

How To Make Crockpot Meatballs

Step 1

Combine the following ingredients in a slow cooker:

Frozen meatballs
Apricot preserves
Brown sugar
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce

Mix well. Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring a couple times throughout.

Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks!

Recipe Notes

This recipe makes a massive batch of party meatballs. This batch will feed 12 hungry people at a party. Cut the recipe in half for a smaller gathering! Although, they are great as leftovers, as well. Throw them into a hearty salad or turn them into a meatball sub or add them to your spaghetti sauce.
Feel free to replace the apricot preserves with a different variety. Peach, grape and cherry are all tasty options, too!
To make this a gluten-free appetizer, omit the Worcestershire sauce and read the label on your package of meatballs to make sure it does not contain wheat.

FAQ About Meatballs

How long does it take to cook frozen meatballs in a crockpot?

Add frozen meatballs to a crockpot/slow cooker along with the sauce mixture and cook on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. Stir once or twice throughout!

Can you make your own meatballs instead of buying them frozen?

Yes, you can prepare homemade meatballs easily! Check out my favorite meatballs recipe here.

Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

While you can do both, I love the healthier way of preparing them in my oven.

How To Serve Meatballs as an Appetizer

Once these delicious little babes are done cookin’, you have a few options for serving them to guests:

Let a large spoon sit in the crockpot (while set to warm or low heat) and let guests scoop onto their plates as desired.
Place the meatballs in a single layer on a serving tray and poke each with a toothpick so guests can grab and go. Be sure to spoon the sauce mixture over the tops to make them as juicy and tasty as possible!

What To Serve With Meatballs at a Party – 12 great ideas!

Meatballs are super easy to make and they have a huge return on flavor, making them the perfect party food. If you are looking for ideas about what to serve with meatballs at a party, read on!

Serving platter filled with meatballs with toothpicks jabbed into them

ENJOY! You are going to love these. I fashioned the sauce after my mom’s famous Meatloaf recipe and it is DELICIOUS. Serve this at your next party and I promise you’ll get rave reviews with minimal effort on your end.

If you’re craving more meatballs, check out these Baked Turkey Meatballs from Hot Pan Kitchen!

Spoonful of meatballs lifting out of crockpot

More Appetizers

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