These 3-ingredient slow cooker vintage cookout meatballs are the kind of easy, dependable recipe that makes potlucks, game days, and family get-togethers feel a little more special without much work at all. Inspired by those classic sweet-and-savory party meatballs that always seem to disappear first, this version keeps things simple by starting with frozen pork meatballs and letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Serve these meatballs warm with toothpicks as an appetizer, or spoon them over fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes for an easy supper. They also fit right in on a cookout table alongside baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or a big platter of sliced buns for little meatball sandwiches.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Cookout Meatballs
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen pork meatballs
1 jar (18 ounces) grape jelly
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
Directions
1. Add the frozen pork meatballs to the bottom of your slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Spoon the grape jelly over the meatballs, then pour the chili sauce on top.
3. Stir gently to coat the meatballs as evenly as you can. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if convenient, until the meatballs are hot all the way through and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
4. Switch the slow cooker to warm for serving, and give the meatballs a final stir before setting them out for guests or spooning them onto plates.
Variations & Tips
For a tangier sauce: If your family likes a less sweet flavor, add a spoonful of yellow mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar. It gives the sauce a little zip and balances the jelly nicely.
For picky eaters: Keep the recipe exactly as written the first time, since the sweet-and-savory flavor is usually a hit with kids and adults alike. You can serve the sauce on the side with plain meatballs for anyone who prefers lighter coating.
For easy party serving: These meatballs hold well on the warm setting for a couple of hours, which makes them wonderful for open-house gatherings and tailgates. Stir once in a while so the sauce stays smooth around the edges.
For a heartier meal: Turn these into sandwiches by piling the meatballs into slider buns, or serve them over rice or noodles for supper. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top can freshen up the finished dish if you want it to look a little extra nice on the table.