These crockpot meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce are an easy 3-ingredient appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, and holiday gatherings. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
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Easy Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
We’re big football fans in our house…well, at least my husband is.
And where there’s football, there’s always food!
We always have plenty of game day food on hand, whether it’s chicken wings and homemade herb dip with veggies or a big pot of chili with cinnamon rolls when the weather turns cold. (If you’re from Nebraska, you already know. And if you’re not…don’t knock it till you try it!)
And these easy barbecue meatballs are another longtime favorite.
I’ve been making this crockpot meatball recipe for years, and it’s always one of the most requested appetizers at family get-togethers and holiday parties.
Made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce, they’re ridiculously easy to make and always disappear fast.
Whether we’re watching football on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or having friends and family over for a party, these meatballs are always an easy appetizer to add to your menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
You only need three simple ingredients to make these easy meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen meatballs: I usually use fully cooked beef meatballs, but turkey meatballs work too. There’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them to the crockpot frozen.
- Grape jelly: This might sound like a strange addition if you’ve never had grape jelly meatballs before, but trust me! The jelly melts into the sauce as the meatballs cook and gives it just the right amount of sweetness.
- BBQ sauce: I like to use Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce, but you can use your favorite brand. For a little extra kick, try a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce instead.
Equipment Needed
How to Make Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Ready to make these easy crockpot grape jelly and BBQ sauce meatballs? Here are the step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: Mix the Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
To begin, add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
The sauce will thin out as it warms in the crockpot, so don’t worry if it seems a little thick at first.
note from jen’s kitchen
For an extra kick, swap out Sweet Baby Rays’ original BBQ sauce for their Sweet ‘n Spicy barbecue sauce.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs to Your Crockpot
Add the frozen meatballs directly to your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them first!
If you have a favorite recipe for homemade meatballs, feel free to use those instead of store-bought ones. But honestly, part of what makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to just open a bag and toss them right into your slow cooker!
Step 3: Pour in the Sauce Mixture
Then, pour the grape jelly and BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs.
Then give everything a good stir until the meatballs are evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook Your Meatballs
Cover and cook your crockpot barbecue meatballs on high for 3 hours or until they are heated all the way through.
Or if you have more time, cook them on low for 6-7 hours. Give the meatballs a stir once or twice while they cook to make sure they stay coated in all that sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meatballs are hot, switch your crockpot to the warm setting until you’re ready to serve.
These crockpot BBQ grape jelly meatballs are best served warm. If your crockpot has the warm setting, you can turn it on until you’re ready to eat.
Then just set out appetizer forks or toothpicks and let everyone help themselves!
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat a small portion, pop them in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger batch, add the meatballs back to your crockpot and heat on LOW until hot.
Once they’re warmed through, switch your crockpot to the warm setting if you’re serving them for a party or get-together.
What to Serve with Crockpot Grape Jelly and BBQ Meatballs
These barbecued meatballs are an easy appetizer for just about any get-together, but they’re especially perfect for game day.
If you’re planning a Super Bowl party or football tailgate, pair them with a few of our other favorites like crockpot buffalo chicken dip or my jalapeno popper cheese ball for a game-winning combo.
You could also add a chip and dip platter with fresh homemade salsa, potato skins, sliders, or a fresh veggie tray with creamy herb dip for an easy spread with plenty for everyone to snack on.
And these meatballs aren’t just for football season! They’re also great for a Friendsgiving brunch, holiday parties, potlucks, graduation parties, and even baby showers.
Since you can keep them warm right in the crockpot, they’re especially handy when you’re feeding a crowd.
Easy Recipe Variations
Want to change things up? This recipe is easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand or how sweet or spicy you like your meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
When it’s time to reheat them, add the meatballs and sauce back to your crockpot and heat on low until warmed through. Then switch the crockpot to warm for serving.
A: No! You can add fully cooked frozen meatballs straight from the freezer to your crockpot. Just pour the grape jelly and BBQ sauce mixture over the top and cook as directed.
A: Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade meatball recipe, you can use it instead of frozen meatballs. Just make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot with the sauce.
More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this recipe for crockpot meatballs with grape jelly and barbecue sauce, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite meatball recipes.
Easy Crockpot Meatballs for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, getting together with friends for the holidays, or just need an easy appetizer to bring to a potluck, you really can’t go wrong with these crockpot meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce.
They’re sweet, savory, ridiculously easy to make, and with only three ingredients, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a favorite in our family for years.
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by the blog. I love sharing my favorite recipes and easy entertaining ideas with you.
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe Card for Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
- 18 ounces grape jelly
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined.
- Dump frozen meatballs in the crockpot and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top. Stir until evenly coated with sauce.
- Cook on high for 3 hours. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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Has anyone made this with Ikea meatballs and lingonberry spread?
Our closest Ikea is over 4 hours away, so I’ve never tried it, but I bet it would be amazing.
I love meatballs and what better time to eat them than the SUPERBOWL!! I will certainly be making these for this weekend!! :)))
Right? You can’t have football without yummy food and this is one of my family’s top favorite appetizer recipes! So yummy and super simple to make.