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I’m excited to share my favorite easy crockpot recipe with you! These sweet and sour meatballs are a hit at every party. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.
This slow cooker meatball recipe combines frozen meatballs, grape jelly (or apricot preserves), and chili sauce. The result? A perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that’ll keep your guests coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a simple weeknight meal, these crockpot meatballs are a game-changer. They’re ready in just 4 hours, making them ideal for busy schedules. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering party appetizer that’s sure to become your go-to recipe!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This 3-ingredient sweet and sour meatballs recipe is a must-have for busy cooks. It’s quick to make and has few ingredients. This makes it perfect for those who want tasty meals fast.
It’s super convenient. You can prepare it in just 3 minutes, great for busy nights or surprise guests. Just throw it in your crockpot and forget about it.
Shopping is easy with only three ingredients. You’ll spend less money and time. This recipe is good for your wallet and taste buds.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice. It’s perfect for any event, making everyone happy.
The slow cooker makes it great for busy lives. Start it in the morning and come home to a ready meal. It’s easy cooking at its best.
The mix of sweet and tangy tastes is loved by all. Kids and adults will enjoy these meatballs, making it a family favorite quickly.
“This recipe is a lifesaver! It’s so easy to make and always a hit at potlucks.”
This dish is a quick, simple, and tasty addition to your meals. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
This recipe is super easy! You just need three main things for these yummy sweet and sour meatballs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package (24 oz) frozen meatballs
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 3/4 cup chili sauce
Want to try something new? Add these tasty extras:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in 100% juice
- 1 green pepper, diced
Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some substitutes:
- Swap grape jelly for apricot preserves
- Use sweet chili sauce instead of regular chili sauce
- Make homemade meatballs (pre-cooked) instead of frozen
I’ve tried different jelly flavors, and they all work great. The mix of frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce is perfect. For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks. It makes a big difference!
Cooking is all about trying new things. Feel free to change the ingredients to your liking. This recipe is easy to adjust, so have fun with it!
Instructions
Let’s make delicious meatballs in a slow cooker. First, I mix ingredients in the crockpot. I pour in grape jelly and chili sauce, then stir them together. Next, I add frozen meatballs and coat them with the sauce.
The cooking time is easy to adjust. I set it on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. If I want to get fancy, I add pineapple and bell peppers too.
To make the sauce thicker, I switch to HIGH for the last hour. This makes the sauce stick better to the meatballs. After cooking, I keep them warm in the slow cooker for easy serving.
Here are some ways to serve them:
- Toothpicks for appetizers
- Over rice for a big meal
- With mashed potatoes
- In slider buns for mini sandwiches
These meatballs are great for parties, game days, or family dinners. Making them in a slow cooker is easy. It lets you spend more time with your loved ones.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love sharing make-ahead tips for busy cooks! For this recipe, I suggest using homestyle meatballs instead of Italian ones. If you’re cooking for many, just double the ingredients. It’s super easy!
For storing leftovers, you have choices. Keep your sweet and sour meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave them or warm them on the stove.
Here’s a pro tip: use pre-cooked meatballs to avoid a greasy sauce. And if your slow cooker gets too hot, adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking. With these tips, you’ll be a meatball expert fast!