Crockpot Meatballs in Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce

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4.69 from 67 votes
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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.

A gold spoon holds a barbecue and grape jelly-coated meatball, lifted from the slow cooker. The thick sauce drips slightly, showing its rich consistency. Other meatballs remain submerged in the sauce in the background.

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!

A top-down view of a crockpot filled with meatballs in grape jelly and barbecue sauce. The thickened sauce creates a deep red glaze over the meatballs.

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.

Ingredients for frozen meatballs in the crockpot, including a bag of frozen Rosina Homestyle Meatballs, a jar of Smucker's Concord Grape Jelly, and a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce. A white slow cooker with a black lid is in the background on a marble countertop.
  • 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. 

A four-step collage of crockpot meatballs cooking in barbecue sauce and grape jelly. Steps show sauce in crock pot, frozen meatballs added, ingredients stirred, and the final heated BBQ meatballs.
  1. Pour the BBQ sauce and jelly into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Stir in the meatballs.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
  4. 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.

A hand lifting a grape jelly BBQ meatball from the slow cooker using a toothpick.

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

  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. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully heated and coated in the sauce.

In the Oven

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the meatballs.
  2. Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven.
  3. Cover and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to evenly coat the meatballs in sauce.
A crockpot meatball covered in thick barbecue and grape jelly sauce sits in a small white dish. A wooden toothpick is inserted in the centerA crockpot meatball covered in thick barbecue and grape jelly sauce sits in a small white dish with a wooden toothpick in the center.

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

Can I substitute another type of jelly or jam for grape jelly?

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.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot?

No, frozen meatballs go straight into the crockpot! If using thawed meatballs, reduce the cooking time.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen store-bought meatballs?

Yes! Pre-cooked homemade meatballs can be used as is, while raw meatballs will need extra time to cook through.

How can I tell if the meatballs are done?

If using pre-cooked meatballs, they just need to be heated through. For raw homemade meatballs, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

A white slow cooker filled with barbecue and grape jelly meatballs, viewed from above. The glossy sauce coats each meatball evenly. The scene includes serving plates and gold tongs on a marble countertop.

More Crockpot Meatball Recipes You’ll Love

Recipe
A close-up of a glazed meatball covered in thick barbecue and grape jelly sauce, held by a wooden toothpick. More crockpot meatballs are visible in the background, coated in the glossy sauce.
Recipe
4.69 from 67 votes

Crockpot BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 5 minutes
Easy 3-ingredient slow cooker grape jelly meatballs make a perfect party appetizer for potlucks, parties, and BBQs.

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

Add 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
You can put out toothpicks and serve directly from the crockpot. Or, if you prefer, transfer the meatballs to a bowl for serving.

On the Stovetop

    1. Add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir to combine.
    2. Stir in the frozen meatballs.
    3. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully heated and coated in the sauce.

In the Oven

    1. In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Stir in the meatballs.
    2. Transfer to a casserole dish or Dutch oven.
    3. Cover and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to evenly coat the meatballs in sauce.
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Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballs | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
A close-up of a glazed meatball covered in thick barbecue and grape jelly sauce, held by a wooden toothpick. More crockpot meatballs are visible in the background, coated in the glossy sauce.

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!

This recipe was shared over on the Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.

Meatballs with grape jelly and bbq sauce on a plate with a single meatball picked up with a hand holding a tooth pick.
4.69 from 67 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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27 Comments

  1. These sound absolutely incredible – I will definitely have to give them a try next time we have a BBQ!

  2. When I see these meatballs, all I can think of is a party and watching some game. 😀 I just love having some friends around when doing these recipes, everyone enjoys them. 🙂 Love the recipe!

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