1-First, get all your ingredients ready because organization makes cooking fun and simple. If you’re making homemade meatballs, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2/3 cup finely minced onion, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until it’s just combined, then shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. This step takes about 10 minutes, setting the stage for a delicious outcome.

2-Next, cook the meatballs to lock in that great taste. You have two easy options: fry them in 1/2 cup vegetable shortening over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per batch until they’re browned and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or bake them on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through to 165 degrees internal temperature. Either way, this ensures your meatballs are safe and flavorful. The total time for the recipe is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals.

3-Once your meatballs are ready whether homemade or from a 32-ounce bag add them directly to the crockpot. Pour in 12 ounces of chili sauce and 10 ounces of grape jelly, then stir gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until everything is hot and the flavors blend perfectly. For a quicker option, combine the meatballs with the sauce in a saucepan, cover, and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method works well for those unexpected gatherings.

4-Keep in mind that baking homemade meatballs takes about 20 minutes, which fits into the overall prep. For more ideas on easy baking, you might enjoy our Lemon Olive Oil Cake recipe, which shares a similar hands-off approach. Once done, these crockpot meatballs are tender and packed with taste, perfect for pairing with sides like rice or veggies.