3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are the perfect easy appetizer for any gathering. With just frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and grape jelly, you can whip up a flavorful dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of four shiny meatballs covered in a thick, glossy brown sauce, sitting closely packed on a wooden spoon. The meatballs have a smooth texture with some small irregularities, and the sauce gives a rich, moist look with highlights reflecting light. In the blurred background, more meatballs covered in the same dark sauce fill a pan. The whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 lb frozen meatballs
  • 12 oz Heinz chili sauce
  • 10 oz grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs in a slow cooker in an even layer.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth. Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to coat the meatballs evenly, until they are heated through and saucy.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
  • Use homemade meatballs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can warm the sauce and meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of many round meatballs coated in a shiny, smooth, reddish-brown sauce, all piled together inside a dark cooking pot. The sauce covers each meatball evenly, giving a glossy texture, and the pot’s edges are visible, framing the meatballs tightly. The meatballs are roughly the same size, with a moist and tender surface that catches the light. The background shows parts of the pot’s dark interior, making the meatballs stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh or homemade meatballs, but you may need to reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Ensure they are fully cooked before serving.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook as directed when ready to serve.

Print

3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

These 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are a simple and delicious appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with frozen meatballs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce of Heinz chili sauce and grape jelly, they offer a perfect balance of flavors with minimal effort.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 servings (assuming 2 meatballs per serving) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 lb frozen meatballs

Sauce

  • 12 oz Heinz chili sauce
  • 10 oz grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Place the 2 pounds of frozen meatballs evenly into the bottom of your slow cooker to allow for even heating.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 12 ounces of Heinz chili sauce and 10 ounces of grape jelly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
  3. Combine and Cook: Pour the chili sauce and grape jelly mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated through. Stir occasionally during cooking to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute with homemade meatballs if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style eating at parties.
  • Keep cooked meatballs warm on the ‘keep warm’ setting if not serving immediately.

Keywords: cocktail meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, party appetizers, sweet and tangy meatballs, grape jelly meatballs, chili sauce meatballs

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