Meatballs in a Crockpot
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Our crockpot meatballs recipe is one of the most popular recipes on this site. It’s consistently in the top 5 all year long, and is a favorite on social media. This simple 4-ingredient recipe is the perfect combination of flavors everyone raves about over and over again.
These Easy Crockpot Meatballs are the perfect appetizer
This crockpot meatballs recipe is a staple in our home. We make this every time we have a party or watch the big game. In fact, I’ve been making this recipe and bring these meatballs to parties for over 20 years. It never goes out of style and is perfect for when you’re busy and need something to bring to a party or pot luck.
It never fails, when I bring these meatballs, I *always* get asked for the recipe and these are always the first appetizer to go! With only 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is one you’ll want to have as your go-to appetizer recipe.
You will love these Crockpot Frozen Meatballs
They’re tender and juicy and packed with flavor. With very little mess and clean, up these easy meatballs will be an instant favorite that you’ll want to add to your family meal plan.
You’ll love how easy it is to prep and clean up and your friends and family will love the delicious taste of these tender and juicy meatballs.
Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce ingredients
- Ketchup – Ketchup serves as the base of the meatball sauce. Use any ketchup you have on hand.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to the ketchup helping cut down on the tomato taste of the ketchup base, turning these crockpot meatballs into a tasty treat.
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire is a great addition to the sauce as it complements the ketchup and brown sugar nicely. Not only will it do this, but it also helps tenderize the meatballs as they cook.
- Frozen, fully cooked, meatballs – Having frozen and fully cooked meatballs helps this recipe be simple and quick. No need to prep and make your own meatballs just simply grab a bag of frozen fully cooked meatballs. It saves so much time and they taste just like homemade meatballs.
In all the years I’ve been making this meatball recipe, I’ve NEVER been asked if they were frozen meatballs. Save yourself the effort and buy the frozen bag of meatballs. It’s why I love this recipe so much!
How to make Frozen Meatballs in Crockpot
- Mix together ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire in a small mixing bowl and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add in your frozen bag of meatballs to the crockpot.
- Pour your ketchup-based mixture on top of the meatballs.
- Stir meatballs to make sure they are all coated in the sauce.
- Turn On the crockpot to low heat and cook for about 6-8 hours.
Can you double Frozen Meatballs in Crockpot?
Yes! If you are feeding a larger crowd or want to eat them all week then this recipe is easily doubled. Just make sure your crockpot can handle the amount you are putting in and be sure that you are doubling the sauce as well as the amount of meatballs.
Tips for making Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot
- If you are wanting to add a bolder flavor to your meatballs feel free to add some spices to help give these meatballs a more spicy flavor.
- Since these meatballs are pre-cooked, there is no need to brown them prior to placing them in the crockpot.
- Spray your crockpot bowl with cooking spray to help keep your meatballs from sticking to the bottom.
How to serve these Crockpot Frozen Meatballs
Crockpot meatballs can be served as an appetizer or made into a whole meal!
- Turn them into a meatball sub by serving over a toasted bun and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Just serve as is and add a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
- Use them to top your spaghetti dish to make it more wholesome by adding meatballs to the sauce.
How to store Easy Crockpot Meatballs
These meatballs are so delicious you might not have leftovers, but if you do you will want to store them in an airtight container once they have cooled.
You can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days or you can freeze them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to reheat Meatballs in a Crockpot
The best way to reheat crockpot meatballs is in the microwave.
Just place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 1 minute. Stir add continue cooking in 30 seconds increments until the desired temperature.
If you are want to reheat a larger amount of meatballs at one time the oven would be the perfect way to reheat a large amount. Just heat your oven to 350 degrees and allow the meatballs to bake for about 8-10 minutes.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS CROCKPOT RECIPES? TRY THESE!
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Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot FAQs
There is no need to thaw the meatballs before placing them in your crockpot.
However if you want to cut the time in half you can place your frozen bag of meatballs in the fridge the night before and allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.
If you do choose to thaw your meatballs overnight just remember to cut your cooking time in half.
A common question asked is if you should brown your meatballs first before adding them to your crockpot.
The answer is: it’s really up to you!
You can brown your meatballs in the oven if you choose to and then place them in the slow cooker or you can throw them in frozen.
It is perfectly safe to cook your meatballs through the night in your crockpot.
To cook your meatballs in the crockpot all night be sure you set the temperature to low to prevent them overcooking. Then, add your meatballs and your sauce and they will be perfect in the morning.
Yes! Be careful to not overcook them because the meatballs will start to lose their moisture and become tough the more they’re exposed to heat.
It really depends on how you are serving the meatballs to determine how many per person. If serving as an appetizer we recommend on planning for 3-5 meatballs per person.
Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup worcestershire
- 32 oz bag frozen, fully cooked, meatballs (about 50 meatballs)
Instructions
- In small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar and worcestershire until combined.1 cup ketchup, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup worcestershire
- Add frozen meatballs to crockpot.32 oz bag frozen, fully cooked, meatballs
- Pour mixture on top of meatballs. Stir meatballs to coat them in the sauce.
- Turn crockpot on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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My husband and I made these for the super bowl and they were so tasty! Will definitely make this recipe again. Thanks for sharing 🙂
So glad you liked them!
I want to use raw meat
You can try raw meat meatballs, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time and check to make sure they are cooked through before serving.
These Meatballs were fantastic! I made then in November for my Husband’s birthday. Everyone loved them! My son asked for them for his birthday party this weekend and everyone is stoked.
I’d like to make these tomorrow. Is it really 1 cup of Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it’s a cup, a cup, and a cup. If you feel uneasy using that much, you can cut back on it.
They are amazing! When only using a 16 oz bag is your cooking time the same?
I’d check on the meatballs sooner if you’re using less of them. They may cook faster.