Name: 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb frozen beef meatballs; 12 oz Heinz Chili Sauce; 10 oz grape jelly

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These 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer. With just a bag of frozen meatballs, a bottle of chili sauce, and a jar of grape jelly, you can create irresistibly sweet, tangy, and savory bites that are always a hit. Best of all, they simmer to perfection in the slow cooker while you prep for guests or relax. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, these meatballs deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients: No complicated shopping list—just pantry staples.
Set it and forget it: Made in the slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
Perfect party food: Makes 30 servings, ideal for entertaining.
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over rice.
Freezer-friendly: Use frozen meatballs for convenience or homemade for freshness.
Crowd-pleaser: The sweet and savory sauce is universally loved.
Easy to scale: Double or halve the recipe based on your needs.
Stovetop option: Can also be made without a slow cooker.
Budget-friendly: Affordable ingredients that go a long way.
No mess: Minimal cleanup thanks to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the bowl of your slow cooker.
Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
Pour and cook: Pour the sauce over the meatballs, stir to coat evenly, and cover. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to keep everything coated.
Serve: Once heated through and well-coated in the sauce, serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 30
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours on LOW
Total time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Homemade meatballs: Use your own make-ahead frozen meatballs for a more personal touch.
Spicy kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
BBQ twist: Replace chili sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Swap the jelly: Try cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade instead of grape jelly.
Asian-style: Use hoisin sauce and sriracha in place of chili sauce and jelly.
Stovetop method: Cook everything in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Oven-baked version: Bake meatballs in a casserole dish at 350°F for 25–30 minutes with sauce.
Mini meatballs: Use cocktail-size meatballs for bite-sized portions.
Serve over rice: Turn these into a main dish by spooning them over steamed rice.
Slow cooker liners: Use a liner for even easier cleanup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the slow cooker on LOW, or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, just make sure they are cooked before adding to the slow cooker, or use pre-cooked frozen homemade meatballs.

Can I make these meatballs spicy?

Absolutely. Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or even chopped jalapeños to the sauce to kick up the heat.

Is there a substitute for grape jelly?

Yes, you can use cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or even apple jelly depending on your taste preference.

Can I cook this on high?

Yes, cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Just keep an eye on it to avoid scorching.

What type of chili sauce should I use?

Heinz chili sauce is classic for this recipe, but any mild, ketchup-like chili sauce will work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare everything ahead and keep warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for up to 2 hours before serving.

How do I serve these at a party?

Serve directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks, or transfer to a serving platter. Keep them warm with a warming tray if needed.

Can I use turkey or vegetarian meatballs?

Definitely. Any type of meatball—beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based—will work great in this sauce.

How long can they stay on “warm” in the slow cooker?

You can leave them on the warm setting for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to prevent bacterial growth.

What sides go well with cocktail meatballs?

They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, slider buns, or a simple salad if serving as a meal.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are the easiest way to impress your guests with minimal effort. With just three pantry staples and a slow cooker, you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick appetizer, this recipe is always a winner.