Description
A simple and delicious recipe using just three ingredients—frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, and grape jelly—cooked low and slow in a crockpot for tender, flavorful party appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 grams) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) grape jelly
Instructions
- Measure out 2 pounds (900 grams) of frozen meatballs, 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce, and 1 cup (240 ml) grape jelly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Stir until the jelly melts into the sauce, creating a glossy, thick mixture. Optionally warm for 20 seconds in the microwave to help dissolve the jelly.
- Place the frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot.
- Pour the barbecue-jelly sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to coat each meatball.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, avoiding lifting the lid too often.
- Around the 3-hour mark, gently stir the meatballs. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to thicken.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish or keep warm in the crockpot insert. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for best results. Avoid stirring too often to prevent breaking meatballs. If sauce thickens too much or sticks, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce. Cooking on low heat keeps meatballs tender and sauce thick. Can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick. For gluten-free, verify labels on meatballs and sauce. Can substitute grape jelly with apricot or pineapple jam for a twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 18
Keywords: crockpot meatballs, party appetizers, easy meatballs, 3-ingredient recipe, slow cooker meatballs, barbecue meatballs, grape jelly meatballs