Crockpot Meatballs in Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
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Frozen meatballs in the crockpot make the easiest party appetizer! These meatballs in grape jelly and barbecue sauce cook low and slow until they’re perfectly tender and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. With just 3 ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a must-have for game days, holiday parties, and potlucks.
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.
This is one of those classic party recipes that guests will ask for again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer
- Only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day.
- Sweet and savory flavor combo.
- Crock pot does the work—set it and forget it.
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.
- Meatballs – Use cocktail-size frozen meatballs in the crockpot for an easy, no-prep option, or sap for homemade meatballs. Turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs would work too!
- BBQ sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce is my personal favorite but you can use your favorite brand.
- Grape jelly – Smucker’s is our personal favorite but you can use any brand.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a bit of heat. If you prefer a mild version, omit or reduce the amount.
How to make Slow Cooker 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.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and jelly into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Stir in the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
- Stir well before serving and enjoy.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ jelly meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the crockpot on LOW until warm, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Recipe Tips
- Once they are heated through, turn your slow cooker to the warm setting and serve with toothpicks.
- Turn these barbecue grape jelly meatballs into a meal by serving them over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
- You can easily halve this recipe if serving a smaller crowd.
No Crockpot? Try These Cooking Methods
Don’t have a crockpot? Or maybe you are in a hurry? You can make your grape jelly meatballs on the stove or in the oven.
Stovetop Method
- Add the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Whisk together.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat with the grape jelly sauce.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully heated and coated in the sauce.
In the Oven
- In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the meatballs.
- Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to evenly coat the meatballs in sauce.
Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs Recipe Variations
- Add 2 tablespoons of sriracha or hot sauce or 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper extra spice.
- Stir in ½ cup of drained crushed pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Swap grape jelly for cranberry sauce to make festive holiday meatballs.
- Replace BBQ sauce with Heinz Chili Sauce for a tangy, slightly spicier version.
Recipe FAQ
Certainly, any type of jam or jelly (eg., apricot, raspberry, or apple jelly) can be used for this grape jelly meatball recipe. The flavor profile will change, but the method remains the same.
No, frozen meatballs go straight into the crockpot! If using thawed meatballs, reduce the cooking time.
Yes! Pre-cooked homemade meatballs can be used as is, while raw meatballs will need extra time to cook through.
If using pre-cooked meatballs, they just need to be heated through. For raw homemade meatballs, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
More Crockpot Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 26-32 ounce frozen meatballs fully cooked
- 18 ounce barbecue sauce
- 18 ounce grape jelly
Instructions
- Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Stir in meatballs
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through.
- Set to warm and stir before serving.
Notes
On the Stovetop
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- Add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the frozen meatballs.
- Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully heated and coated in the sauce.
In the Oven
-
- In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Stir in the meatballs.
- Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to evenly coat the meatballs in sauce.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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This recipe was shared over on the Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.
https://bakedbroiledandbasted.com/20-winning-game-day-recipes/
Thanks for sharing your fabulous recipe ..YUMM!!
made these using ketchup and no spices flakes on the meatballs. lt was 1980. good then, well received. want to try yours , sounds yummy.
I have used this recipe for years and it is always a hit. You never have to worry about what to do with leftovers, they’re won’t be any.
my son makes these for his busy family. they love them.
I have to try this recipe