Name: 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs; 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce; 1 (18 oz) jar grape jelly

Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

This recipe couldn’t be easier — literally three ingredients and minimal prep make it ideal for busy hosts. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it and forget it until mealtime. Plus, the sweet and savory glaze is addictive and pairs beautifully with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Ingredients

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

frozen meatballs
Heinz chili sauce
grape jelly

Directions

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat.
Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until the meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 30 bite-sized meatballs
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total time: ~4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe:

Swap the grape jelly for different fruit jellies like apricot or raspberry for a new flavor twist.
Use pepper jelly instead of chili sauce if you prefer a bit more heat.
Substitute turkey, chicken, or vegetarian meatballs based on dietary preferences.
For extra depth, add a splash of BBQ sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After cooling, place meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs and avoid over-stirring while they cook. Gentle stirring helps keep them intact.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes — combine all the ingredients in a large pot on the stovetop and simmer on low until heated through, stirring occasionally.

What can I serve with these cocktail meatballs?

They’re great on their own as an appetizer, or served with rice, noodles, sliders, or toothpicks for easy party snacking.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, just be sure they are fully cooked before adding to the sauce so they don’t fall apart.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely — prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to add it to the meatballs.

What if I don’t have grape jelly?

Other fruit jellies like apricot or raspberry work well; you could also try cranberry sauce for a holiday twist.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not typically — the classic version is sweet and tangy. If you want heat, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Balance sweetness by reducing jelly or adding a splash of vinegar or mustard to cut sweetness.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes — simply double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.

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

Ideally no more than 4 hours on warm to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Cocktail Meatballs are a go-to for effortless entertaining. With minimal prep, crowd-ready flavor, and versatile serving options, they’re sure to become a favorite at gatherings big and small.