This crockpot meatballs appetizer has become a staple at all of our family gatherings. No one wants to be slaving away in the kitchen while the party is in full swing.
I love appetizer recipes that I can set and forget. Who doesn’t, right? I actually had to ask my mom for this easy slow cooker meatball appetizer recipe….just for you! Now you can make this meatball appetizer for your next family gathering.
Trust me when I tell you that you want to make these crockpot meatballs as an appetizer at your next party! This recipe is one of the most simple slow cooker recipes around and your guests will love it! You might even decide to make these classic cocktail meatballs just because!
Ingredients Crockpot Meatballs Appetizer Recipe
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 52 count frozen bite sized meatballs (or your favorite homemade meatballs)
How to make Crockpot Meatballs:
Mix the first four ingredients in your crockpot until the sugar is dissolved. Add in meatballs and stir to coat.
Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. You want the meatballs to be heated through. Serve right out of the slow cooker or on a platter with a toothpick or small wooden fork in each.
Do you thaw meatballs before putting in crockpot?
The short answer is no, which is what makes this crockpot meatball recipe that much easier! Adding them in frozen is absolutely fine! There is no reason to waste time thawing as long as you’re cooking the frozen meatballs for at least two hours to allow them to thaw and warm through.
How long can you keep meatballs in a crockpot?
Meatballs are so easy to cook in a crockpot because they really only need a couple hours and they’re ready to enjoy. I have found that store-bought frozen meatballs tend to hold up in the crockpot for longer than homemade meatballs.
You can easily keep cocktail meatballs in the crockpot overnight on low if you want them to be ready in the morning when you wake up. Or if you’re hosting an all day event, you can count on your crockpot meatballs being good for at least 8 hours on low.
Can I use homemade meatballs in the crockpot?
Homemade meatballs are so good! If you want to use your favorite homemade meatballs in this cocktail meatball appetizer recipe you definitely can! Prepare them as normal, but I do suggest that broil them before you place them in the crockpot with the sauce. This will help them to not fall apart.
You can cook your homemade meatballs in the crockpot if you’re wanting less dishes. Keep in mind that this will take longer, though! To cook homemade meatballs in your crockpot allow at least 4 hours.
This meatball appetizer will be a delicious addition to your party. I know that my entire family loves them because they seem to disappear really fast around here.
Remember to account for several meatballs per person when deciding how many you need to make. Doubling the recipe is easy and perfect for a larger crowd.
Can’t wait for a party to give this one a try? Make a few other appetizer recipes and serve up a fun “appetizer” meal for supper one night. It is a fun twist and something a little out of the ordinary.
Print Crockpot Meatballs Recipe below:
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 52 count frozen bite sized meatballs
Instructions
- Mix the first four ingredients in your crockpot until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add in meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
- Serve right out of the slow cooker or on a platter with a toothpick or small wooden fork in each.
Notes
You want the meatballs to be heated through.
If you love this meatball appetizer recipe, you are sure to love these other appetizer recipes as well. My mom hit a home run with this recipe and your entire family is sure to love it as well.
i would never have thought to mix ketchup with woucestershire sauce but admittedly these look delicious. i shall try this recipe as its a great idea for a canope…
I love a good appetizer, especially meatballs! I am excited to try the ketchup/worcestershire sauce combo. To my knowledge I’ve never tried that before. Pinning!
Pinned! Sounds delicious!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
I love meatballs as appetizers and these look amazing.
Thanks for sharing at Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Hope you come back next week so I can stop by again.
Bev
I love how simple this is. Now I just need an excuse to make these!
Your Crockpot Meatballs will be fabulous appetizers! We always love your recipes at Full Plate Thursday, thanks so much for sharing them with us!
Miz Helen
These meatballs look delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe!!
What a yummy and easy appetizer! Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday 🙂
What kind of mustard have you guys used?
Just regular yellow mustard!
Do you use precooked meatballs?
Yes. Precooked frozen meatballs.