How long do you cook meatballs in a slow cooker on high?

When I tried cooking these on high, it usually took about 1 ½ to 2 hours for the meatballs to heat through and soak up the sauce. They were ready much faster, but I still preferred the low-and-slow method for the most tender results.

How long does it take to cook already cooked meatballs?

If you’re starting with fully cooked meatballs, the slow cooker only needs to warm them and let them absorb flavor. I usually set them on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice, and they come out perfectly coated in sauce.

How to cook precooked meatballs in a slow cooker?

I simply add the sauce ingredients into the slow cooker, stir to combine, then drop in the precooked meatballs. After giving them a gentle stir, I cover and cook on low until they’re heated through and glossy with sauce. It’s a great shortcut when I don’t have time to roll fresh meatballs.

Can I put meatballs in a crockpot without sauce?

I’ve tried this before, and while you technically can, the meatballs don’t turn out as juicy or flavorful. The sauce in this recipe does more than just coat the meat—it keeps the meatballs moist and infuses them with flavor as they cook. Without it, they tend to dry out.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chili Meatballs Recipe

Description

Enjoy tender, juicy Slow Cooker Cranberry Chili Meatballs simmered in a sweet-tangy, slightly spicy sauce. Made with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chili powder, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar for rich, bold flavor.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 ½ lbs ground beef
¾ cup plain bread crumbs
1 large egg
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper add another ½ teaspoon if you like it spicy
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Sauce

14 oz can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
12 oz bottle Heinz chili sauce 12 ounces chili sauce
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Meatballs

In large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Shape into your preferred size of meatball.
Brown meatballs in large skillet over medium-high heat. Set aside.

Cooking meatballs in sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in slow cooker, mixing to combine. Gently stir in meatballs making sure they’re all coated with sauce. Cover and cook 3 hours on low or until heated through.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Homemade