Why You’ll Love 3‑Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple with minimal prep — just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The sweet and savory sauce perfectly coats the meatballs, making this appetizer irresistible. It’s ideal for busy hosts, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants big flavor with little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
meatballs, frozen
Heinz chili sauce
grape jelly
Directions
-
Place the frozen meatballs in the insert of a slow cooker.
-
In a bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
-
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
-
Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and well coated with sauce.
Servings and timing
Servings: about 30 meatballs
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on low
Variations
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Different jelly: Swap grape jelly for cranberry sauce, apricot, or another fruit jelly for unique flavor twists.
• Turkey or chicken: Substitute turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
• Alternative sauces: Try using a sweet chili sauce or BBQ sauce instead of traditional chili sauce.
Storage/Reheating
To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
To freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What type of meatballs should I use?
Use plain frozen meatballs for the best flavor. Avoid highly seasoned Italian varieties as they may clash with the sauce.
Can I make these on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
Yes — combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Can I use fresh meatballs?
If using fresh homemade meatballs, cook them first before adding to the sauce to prevent them from falling apart.
Can I substitute the chili sauce?
Yes, you can use BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even pepper jelly for a different flavor profile.
Can the sauce be made ahead of time?
Absolutely — mix the jelly and chili sauce ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
How can I reduce the sweetness?
Balance sweetness by adding a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Are these gluten‑free?
Check the labels on your meatballs and chili sauce — many brands are gluten‑free, but confirm to be sure.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker.
What are good serving ideas?
Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, over rice for a meal, or on slider buns for mini sandwiches.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Cook on low heat and stir occasionally; if it starts to stick, add a splash of water.
Conclusion
This easy 3‑ingredient cocktail meatballs recipe is a versatile crowd‑pleaser that delivers sweet and savory flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or an effortless weeknight appetizer, it’s sure to become a go‑to in your recipe collection.
3‑Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs
These 3-Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce. Perfect for parties or game days, they come together quickly in a slow cooker with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (18 oz) jar grape jelly
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chili sauce and grape jelly until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until heated through.
- Stir before serving and keep warm in the slow cooker during your event.
Notes
- You can use homemade meatballs, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Feel free to adjust the ratio of jelly and chili sauce to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
