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Best Slow Cooker Halloween Meatballs: Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe

slow cooker halloween meatballs - featured image
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A nostalgic, easy-to-make slow cooker appetizer featuring frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and cream cheese with a festive twist of orange zest and pumpkin pie spice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fully cooked frozen meatballs (beef or pork blend)
  • 1 medium orange, zested
  • 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the block of cream cheese into small cubes and set aside.
  2. Wash the orange and zest only the orange part of the skin, avoiding the white pith. Set aside.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce into the slow cooker. Add the pumpkin pie spice and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
  4. Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker. Toss gently to partially submerge them in the sauce.
  5. Place the cream cheese cubes on top of the meatballs and sauce. Do not stir yet.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Check after 2 hours to ensure cream cheese is mostly melted.
  7. Once melted, stir gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the orange zest and stir to incorporate.
  8. Cook for another 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Do not cook on high heat as the cream cheese may separate. Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting. Do not freeze leftovers as the cream cheese may separate upon thawing. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, halloween appetizer, cream cheese meatballs, easy party food, 3 ingredient recipe, frozen meatballs, orange zest meatballs

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/best-slow-cooker-halloween-meatballs-easy-3-ingredient-recipe/