These Crockpot Chili Cheese Meatballs are easy, cozy, and so good for game day, parties, or a simple dinner. You toss everything in, let the crockpot do the work, then scoop up warm, cheesy meatballs covered in chili sauce.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels like the kind of food people gather around. The first time I made it, I set the crockpot on the table, and everyone kept coming back for “just one more.” The sauce gets thick, the cheese melts into the chili, and the meatballs stay tender.
- It uses simple store-bought meatballs.
- The crockpot does most of the work.
- It is great for parties or dinner.
- The sauce is rich, cheesy, and a little smoky.
- You can serve it many ways.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
- 1 can, 15 ounces, chili with beans
- 1 can, 10 ounces, diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for topping
Tools Needed
- Black oval crockpot
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Wooden spoon
- Serving spoon
Recipe At A Glance
Servings: 8
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 4 to 5 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3 hours
Main Tool: Black oval crockpot
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Add The Meatballs
Place 2 pounds frozen fully cooked beef meatballs into the black oval crockpot.
Step 2: Add The Chili And Tomatoes
Pour 1 can, 15 ounces, chili with beans and 1 can, 10 ounces, diced tomatoes with green chiles over the frozen meatballs.
Step 3: Add The Sauce Ingredients
Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 4: Stir Everything Together
Use a wooden spoon to gently stir until the meatballs are coated in the chili sauce.
Step 5: Cook The Meatballs
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is thick.
Step 6: Add The Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the hot chili meatballs. Cover for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Step 7: Top And Serve
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped green onions over the melted cheese. Serve warm in a round bowl or with toothpicks.
Why This Recipe Works Quick Science
The frozen cooked meatballs warm slowly in the crockpot, so they stay soft. The chili, ketchup, brown sugar, and spices make a thick sauce that clings to each meatball. The cheese melts at the end, so it stays creamy instead of turning greasy.
Pro Tips
- Do not add the cheese too early. It can get oily.
- Stir gently so the meatballs do not break.
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs for the best texture.
- Keep the crockpot on WARM after cooking.
- Add more beef broth if the sauce gets too thick.
Substitutions And Variations
- Use turkey meatballs instead of beef meatballs.
- Use no-bean chili if you like a smoother sauce.
- Use pepper jack cheese for more heat.
- Add diced onion if you want more flavor.
- Add hot sauce for a spicy version.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before. Keep them covered in the fridge. Add the frozen meatballs and sauce to the crockpot when ready to cook.
Common Mistakes
- Adding cheese too soon can make it greasy.
- Cooking too long can make the sauce too thick.
- Using raw meatballs will change the cook time.
- Forgetting to stir can leave dry spots.
- Adding too much salt can make it too strong because chili and cheese already have salt.
What To Serve With
- Slider buns
- Rice
- Baked potatoes
- Tortilla chips
- Cornbread
- Mac and cheese
- A simple green salad
Leftovers And Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the crockpot on LOW. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce is too thick.
Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Macros Information
Per serving, about 1/8 of the recipe:
Calories: 360
Protein: 19g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
A: Yes. Cook them first, then add them to the crockpot.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes. Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese.
Q: Can I use chili without beans?
A: Yes. It works great and makes the sauce smoother.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but use a large crockpot and stir halfway through cooking.
Q: Can I serve this as dinner?
A: Yes. Serve it over rice, potatoes, or noodles.
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot Chili Cheese Meatballs are simple, warm, and full of flavor. Make them for dinner, parties, or a cozy weekend snack. Leave a comment with how yours turned out or any questions you have.