These bbq Crock Pot Meatballs with grape jelly are the kind of easy appetizer I adore. With a few simple ingredients, you can make tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that your crew will love. This recipe is the perfect option for game day or holiday meals when you want something delicious that basically cooks itself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker meatball recipe is one of my most popular recipes, and for good reason. The combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce gives you that classic sweet and sour flavor. It’s the perfect Christmas appetizer!
After 3 to 4 hours of slow cooking, my Crock Pot Meatballs turn perfectly tender and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Ingredient Insights
- Grape jelly: Adds sweetness and helps create that glossy glaze that makes these meatballs irresistible.
- Barbecue sauce: Brings a smoky, tangy flavor that balances the jelly perfectly. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a great choice, but you can use whatever sauce your family enjoys.
- Frozen meatballs: A HUGE time-saver. Use fully cooked beef or turkey meatballs, or make your own homemade meatballs with ground beef if you prefer. I like to keep a bag or two of these in my freezer at all times.
How to Make Crock Pot Meatballs
Step one: Add the grape jelly and barbecue sauce to your slow cooker. Stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
Step two: Add the frozen meatballs and gently stir to coat each one with the sauce. Make sure they are covered evenly for the best flavor.
Step three: Cover and cook on high for 3 to 3½ hours, stirring once during the cook time. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the meatballs beautifully.
Step four: Check that the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Once tender, switch the slow cooker to warm and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Homemade meatballs: Use your own meatballs made from ground beef or turkey. A cookie scoop helps portion them evenly.
- Creamy finish: Add some sour cream before serving for a smooth and tangy twist.
- Cheesy topping: Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the Crock Pot Meatballs for a little extra flavor.
- Thinner sauce: If the grape jelly bbq sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or cold water.
Crissy’s Best Tips
- Slow and steady: Let the meatballs cook for the full 3 to 4 hours to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Party favorite: Keep your slow cooker on warm for easy serving during the big game or holiday gatherings.
- Make ahead: Combine everything in your slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day to save time.
- Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
- Family favorite: Double the batch for a crowd. These Crock Pot Meatballs disappear fast.
How to Store Crock Pot Meatballs
Refrigerator: Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker with a small amount of beef broth or cold water to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Once cooled, place the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in your slow cooker until warmed through.
Meal Prep: These slow cooker meatballs make great leftovers for meal prep. Store them in individual portions in airtight containers for easy reheating or meatball subs later in the week.
Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs Serving Ideas
Serve these Crock Pot Meatballs straight from the slow cooker as party appetizers, or spoon them over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a satisfying dinner. They are also great on rolls for quick and easy meatball subs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work perfectly. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding them to your slow cooker.
How long should I cook meatballs in the slow cooker?
Cook on high for 3 to 3½ hours or on low for about 6 hours. This slow cooking method makes them tender and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Combine the ingredients in your slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day. It is a great time-saver for busy schedules.
How can I keep Crock Pot Meatballs warm for serving?
Keep the slow cooker on warm. It is the best way to serve them for parties or family dinners without worrying about them drying out.
These Crock Pot Meatballs are one of those simple recipes that never fail. This dish is a Christmas Eve tradition for my family. I hope you love it!
More Holiday Appetizers
- Crock Pot Little Smokies
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Warm Cheesy Bacon Dip
- Sausage Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers
- Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Crock Pot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups grape jelly
- 18 ounces barbecue sauce I like Sweet Baby Ray
- 2 lbs. frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Add the grape jelly and barbecue sauce to a slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
- Add the meatballs and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 3½ hours, stirring once halfway through.
Video
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Nutrition
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I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave your review below and follow on Pinterest for more!
You can never have too many pictures!! Love this recipe. So simple yet its a crowd favorite I hear. I don’t eat meat but the sauce smells good when its cooking in the crock pot for hours.
I’ve made this recipe numerous times and everyone loves them! I’m making them tomorrow for the football games. My gf has been bugging me to make them again haha
Crissy ! These are so good ! I have also made them. with gravy ! So good. Your photos look so tasty !
If you think it is too sweet, try using Cattleman’s brand sauce in the Carolina Tangy Gold flavor. Adds just enough zing to the sauce. Every time I fix them this way I do not have any leftover.
Love these meatballs! My aunt has been making them for years and years. Now I make them with my children and we all love them.
Turned out great, but too sweet for me, personally. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve made them with a can of jelled cranberry sauce and a bottle of chili sauce. They were very good!
My sauce is too thin :( what did I do wrong? I followed your recipe.
Are you using an old crock pot?
Mine was thin as well, may just be the BBQ sauce and jelly combo. Mine also finished sooner than expected so I just put it on keep warm until dinner.
What brand do you suggest for meatballs?
Home style meatballs works best
Try it with whole berry cranberry sauce instead of the grape jelly. Fantastic
Yes way too many of the same photos lol but, their all great pictures. Excited to try this recipe.