Sweet and spicy slow cooker meatballs are the perfect appetizer for game day or any gathering. Doctoring up frozen meatballs in the crockpot is easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser!
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I am not much of a sports fan, but I am all for party food. Buffalo chicken dip, homemade salsa, instant pot hummus – you’ll find me in front of the spread. These sweet and spicy, easy crockpot meatballs make the perfect addition to the lineup.
Not only are they the perfect candidate for football party food, these crockpot meatballs are so easy to throw together, you’ll want them at all your parties (or just for dinner!). You just need frozen meatballs and a few other ingredients, making them so easy!
Hanging out with friends and family > than spending all day in the kitchen so I like dishes with minimal effort when we have gatherings. Frozen meatballs in the crockpot are PERFECT!
SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS
Below is a list of ingredients & some helpful tidbits to help you plan out your cooking, but you can also skip it and scroll down for the full recipe.
MEATBALLS – You’ll need a 2 lb bag of frozen meatballs. We usually opt for beef but turkey or plant based meatballs will work as well!
BROWN SUGAR – Adds some of the sweet without being too much.
HONEY – Honey in meatballs are a must for the sweet in this recipe.
JALAPENO KETCHUP – Heinz makes a jalapeno ketchup but you can also make your own.
SRIRACHA SAUCE – Sriracha is a chili sauce to add heat. If you don’t have any, Sambal Oelek will work as well.
SOY SAUCE – Salt, to balance the sweet & spicy.
GARLIC – Mince up a few cloves for the sauce.
SLICED GREEN ONIONS – Used as a garnish for the meatballs. You can also use chopped cilantro instead.
TOOLS FOUND ON AMAZON TO HELP YOU
- Crockpot – I’ve had this slow cooker for years & highly recommend it. It switches to “warm” after the designated cooking time, which is super helpful.
- Tongs – Love these for handling high temperatures since they have silicone tips.
- Mixing bowls – I like the grippy bottoms so the bowls don’t slide around.
- Whisk – This is the most comfortable whisk I think I’ve ever owned. Great for mixing.
CROCKPOT MEATBALL RECIPE
STEP ONE: Add the meatballs into a slow cooker (you’ll want at least a 4 qt size – mine is 6 qt).
STEP TWO: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic until well combined.
STEP THREE: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and toss to fully coat them. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
STEP FOUR: Serve your meatballs hot garnished with green onions or chopped cilantro.
HOW LONG TO COOK FROZEN MEATBALLS IN CROCKPOT
Frozen meatballs should cook for 2-3 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW in the crockpot, stirring occasionally. If you have time, low and slow really soaks up the flavors leaving you with moist and delicious meatballs.
SHOULD I THAW MEATBALLS BEFORE PUTTING IN THE CROCKPOT?
As long as you’ll be cooking your meatballs for at least 2 hours on HIGH, you don’t need to thaw them before you put them in the crockpot. They come fully cooked and just need to warm through.
If you don’t have at least 2 hours of cook time, start with thawed meatballs.
HOW TO STORE THEM
Store leftover slow cooker meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
CAN I FREEZE THEM
I don’t recommend it, no. Since you start with frozen meatballs, I wouldn’t refreeze them. Once is enough.
MORE CROCKPOT FAVORITES
Crockpot Turkey Meatballs
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Asian Crockpot Meatballs
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Click here for my entire collection of crockpot recipes.
Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup jalapeno ketchup
- 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Sliced green onions or chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- Pour meatballs into a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, sriracha, soy sauce and garlic until combined.
- Pour the sauce over the frozen meatballs and toss to fully coat. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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I made this last night for dinner. It was absolutely delicious!!!
I’m so happy to hear that – thanks for reporting back!!
I’m about to make this recipe however my crock pot is on the fritz. Can I put this in the oven on a low temp and cook it?
Yep, just make sure they’re warmed through. I would check them with my meat thermometer to make sure they hit 165°.
Thanks Melissa. I’ll let you know how they turn out. 😀
These meatballs are a hit with my husband and his friends. They go great with beer.
Happy to hear that. Thanks, Lena!
My crockpot cracked last night. 😭 Can these be made in a pressure cooker or ditch oven?
Oh no! Yes, I’d go with the dutch oven and let them simmer for at least an hour. Make sure the meatballs are heated through.
I made these last night and they came out so delicious. Easy to follow and my family loved your recipe for these meatballs. Will be making it again that’s for sure! Thank you!
Thank you, Pam! I love hearing that 🙂