Crockpot Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce are an easy appetizer made in the crock pot with only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. Serve them up on game day, at holiday parties, or potlucks where they are certain to be a crowd favorite.

These BBQ jelly meatballs are one of our favorite appetizers along with 3-ingredient crockpot little smokies, easy crockpot buffalo chicken dip, and slow cooker spinach artichoke dip.

The taste of the sweet grape jelly combines with the BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the juicy meatballs. 

It’s the kind of great recipe that is always a big hit at parties and people will ask you to make and over again.

If you like crockpot meatball recipes, give my Swedish meatball recipe and  Coca-Cola meatball recipe a try as well.

Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

And you need for the perfect appetizer is four simple ingredients and a crock pot. That’s it!

• Meatballs – I recommend frozen meatballs because they make the recipe quick and easy but you can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Turkey meatballs would work, too.
• BBQ sauce – I use Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce but you can use your favorite brand.
• Grape jelly – Smucker’s is our personal favorite but you can use any brand.
• Cayenne pepper – adds extra heat. You can leave out or cut back on the cayenne pepper if desired.

How to make Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

1. Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
2. Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours on high.
3. Give it a stir then serve and enjoy

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the slow cooker or in the microwave.

Recipe Tips

• Once they are heated through, turn your slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.
• Make your slow cooker grape jelly meatballs the main course by serving them over rice or noodles.
• You also don’t have to make a huge batch of these slow cooker meatballs every time. If you’re serving a smaller crowd you can easily halve the recipe.

Other Cooking Methods

Don’t have a crockpot? Or maybe you are in a hurry? Try one of these different ways to make bbq grape jelly meatballs.

Stovetop Method

1. Add the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Whisk together.
2. Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat with the grape jelly sauce.
3. Let the meatballs simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).

Oven-Baked Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the meatballs.
2. Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 325 F for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Add 2 Tablespoons of sriracha sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Mix in about 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the crockpot for a tropical flair.
• Replace the grape jelly with cranberry sauce for a tart and sweet variation, perfect for the holidays.
• Replace the barbecue sauce with a 12-ounce bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce for a sweet and tangy sauce.

FAQ

More Easy Crockpot Recipes You Will Love

• Crockpot Apple Butter
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in the Crockpot
• Crockpot Apple Cider
• Crockpot Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – only 5 ingredients!