Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs (about 32 meatballs); 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (thick variety); 1 cup grape jelly

This Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs recipe is a 3-ingredient crockpot wonder. Juicy frozen meatballs simmer in tangy BBQ sauce and sweet grape jelly, creating a crowd-pleasing, effortless dish—perfect for parties, game days, or a simple, hearty meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use frozen meatballs straight from the bag—no thawing needed, saves time. Stir halfway through cooking—ensures even sauce coating. Choose a thick BBQ sauce—thin sauces get watery in the slow cooker. Line your crockpot with a liner—cleanup’s a breeze. Double the batch for a big crowd or meal prep leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the simplest, tastiest dish ever with this Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs recipe—it’s a star among 3-ingredient crockpot recipes, and it’s about to become your new favorite slow cooker go-to! This dish is pure, no-fuss deliciousness: tender frozen meatballs soak up a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce and sweet grape jelly combo that’s an irresistible sweet-and-savory explosion, all effortlessly cooked to perfection while you kick back and let the crockpot work its magic. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal—dump three ingredients in, set it, and forget it—yet delivers a hearty, crowd-pleasing result that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day crew, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a cozy, flavorful bite, this recipe is a slam dunk—easy, scrumptious, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!

Yield: Serves 8

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Tangy BBQ meatballs with sweet jelly—crockpot ease.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs (about 32 meatballs)
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (thick variety)

1 cup grape jelly

Instructions

Gear Up for Flavor: Pull out your slow cooker and a spoon—this 3-ingredient wonder’s about to make your day with ease! Picture sticky, saucy meatballs—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin!
Add the Meatballs: Dump the entire 32 oz bag of frozen meatballs into your slow cooker—no thawing, just straight in! These juicy bites are your base—spread ‘em out!

Pour the BBQ Sauce: Grab your 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce—pour it over the meatballs evenly! That tangy, smoky goodness is your flavor star—coat ‘em well!
Scoop the Jelly: Measure out 1 cup grape jelly—plop it right on top of the sauce! This sweet twist is your secret weapon—don’t mix yet, let it melt in!
Set the Cooker: Pop the lid on—set your slow cooker to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours! Let it simmer—your kitchen’s about to smell like a BBQ party!

Stir Halfway: If you’re around, give it a gentle stir after 2 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)—mixes that jelly and sauce! Not home? No worries—it’ll still be awesome!
Check the Magic: When time’s up, peek inside—meatballs should be hot, tender, and coated in a thick, sticky sauce! Stir it up—your BBQ dream’s ready!
Taste Test: Grab a meatball—taste that sweet-tangy combo! Need a tweak? Add a dash of BBQ sauce or a pinch of spice—make it yours!

Final Toss: Give it one last stir—every meatball should glisten with sauce! This is your easy, hearty moment—plate it up or prep it!
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the meatballs into a bowl or meal prep containers—dig into the sticky, savory goodness! Serve with toothpicks for a party or over rice for dinner—it’s crockpot gold. Savor every saucy bite!

Notes

Use thick sauce—runny BBQ makes it watery and kills the vibe!

Don’t thaw meatballs—frozen keeps ‘em juicy and saves you time.
Prep ahead—toss it in before work, come home to a ready feast!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 177Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 576mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 1gSugar 32gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Frozen meatballs are the star—pre-cooked, beef or turkey, about 26g protein per 6-meatball serving, convenient and juicy. BBQ sauce brings tangy, smoky depth—choose your favorite, thicker varieties hold up best. Grape jelly adds sweetness—seedless, smooth texture melts into the sauce perfectly, balancing the tang.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap beef meatballs for turkey or chicken—lighter options, still tasty (adjust protein slightly). Use honey BBQ sauce or spicy BBQ instead of regular—honey’s sweeter, spicy adds kick. Sub grape jelly with apricot preserves or cranberry sauce—similar sweetness, different fruit vibe. Add a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes—amps up heat. Mix in pineapple chunks—extra sweetness and texture twist.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—sauce thickens and flavors deepen! Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stove over medium heat for 5-7 minutes with a splash of water. Freezes well for up to 2 months; store in freezer-safe containers—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a quick meal.