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Sweet & Spicy Party Meatballs

These Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs are the perfect twist on the classic cocktail meatball appetizer. They are made with only 4 ingredients and cooked low and slow in the slow cooker until heated through.  

party meatballs in the slow cooker liner with wooden spoon sticking out


 

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Every party menu should have cocktail meatballs on it. They are so easy to make and they are downright delicious. It’s crazy to think about how a few ingredients and a little bit of prep time can make an amazing appetizer. 

Inspired by the classic grape jelly meatball recipe, these meatballs are a little different as they are made with cranberry sauce, bbq sauce, and a couple of chipotle peppers for an added spicy kick. 

How to make Party Meatballs

First, prepare your chipotle peppers in adobo sauce by chopping them up finely. I generally buy a small can of peppers, remove two whole peppers and chop them finely with a knife. Place them in the slow cooker. For a spicier meatball sauce, add 2 Tbsp of the adobo sauce from the can.

chipotle peppers chopped on cutting mat with knife laying next to it

Next, pop open your can of jellied cranberry sauce and place the sauce in your slow cooker and use a spoon to break the jelly up. 

can of cranberry jelly sauce opened with jelly sticking out

Then add bbq sauce and stir thoroughly. 

sauce for meatballs in slow cooker insert with black spoon sticking out

Add pre-cooked frozen meatballs and stir, ensuring all the meatballs are covered in the sauce. 

frozen meatballs covered in sauce in slow cooker insert with black spoon laying on top of meatballs

Next, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.  

meatballs on wooden spoon over slow cooker with remainder of party meatballs

Serve and enjoy 🙂

Notes:

  • If you like your sauce less spicy, leave out the extra 1-2 Tbsp of adobe pepper sauce. 
  • I use precooked frozen meatballs. I prefer beef meatballs for this recipe but any precooked meatballs you can get your hands on should work just fine. 
  • Any original bbq sauce will work fine. Homemade BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s work best.

Looking for other party appetizers? Try these out:

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5 from 2 votes

Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs

These Sweet and Spicy Party Meatballs are the perfect easy appetizer for a crowd. With only 4 ingredients and a spicy bbq flavor, these are the perfect twist on a classic cocktail meatball recipe.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cocktail meatballs, party meatballs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12 people
Calories 295kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 32 oz frozen precooked meatballs
  • 1 14 oz can of jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup bbq sauce
  • 2 chopped Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce + 2 Tbsp sauce

Instructions

  • Place ingredients in slow cooker, ensuring all the meatballs are covered. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve and enjoy.

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Notes

  • If you like your sauce less spicy, leave out the extra 1-2 Tbsp of adobe pepper sauce. 
  • I use precooked frozen meatballs. I prefer beef meatballs for this recipe but any meatballs you can get your hands on should work just fine. 
  • Any original bbq sauce will work fine. Homemade or Sweet Baby Ray’s work best.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 329mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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