Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce

I still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was one of those panic moments when I knew we'd be heading out the door the minute I got home to a neighborhood party. WHAT was I going to bring?

With all of the ingredients on hand I tossed everything in the crockpot before I left and this was the result. What a winner! An easy recipe, with only minutes of prep, it's a real crowd pleaser!

From that day forward this became a go-to! If you're looking for a great appetizer for the Super Bowl, holiday parties or even family dinner, this should be your go-to as well!!

All of the ingredients needed to make the recipe. With print overlay for clarification.

Ingredients you’ll need

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.

Pre-cooked frozen meatballs - you can use all beef, turkey or even vegetarian meatballs if you prefer.
Grape jelly, jalapenos jelly or apricot jelly - all are terrific!
Your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce.

Creative variations to try

You can also swap out your favorite bbq sauce for a bottle of Heinz chili sauce for a more classic recipe.
Does your family prefer a spicy sauce? Add a couple of splashes of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
If you make homemade meatballs instead of using store-bought meatballs, cook them first before you add them to the crock pot.

Step-by-step instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Whisk until well combined.
Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
Pour the grape jelly barbecue sauce over the meatballs, stir until coated.
Add lid and seal. Cook until heated through. Garnish with minced parsley.

Essential equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

How do you thicken BBQ sauce for meatballs?

To thicken BBQ sauce for meatballs, you can simmer it on low heat until it reduces and thickens. You can also mix in a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry to help thicken the sauce.

Why grape jelly?

It's the secret ingredient. It adds a sticky, sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce! The jelly also helps thicken the sauce and gives it a pretty glossy finish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep or making ahead of time. Just allow them to cool and store them in the fridge until you are ready to reheat them.

A platter cocktail meatballs in front of a slow cooker. — Grape Jelly and Barbecue Meatballs

Top Tip

Are you going to say, Deb.... Why didn't you make 3 ingredient meatballs? Yes, those are a tiny bit easier, but these are SO. MUCH. BETTER! The few additions of spice and seasonings makes all the difference!

Don't forget to spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray for easy clean up!
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also make these meatballs in a large pot on the stove. Simply simmer them on low heat for about an hour and stir occasionally until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Looking for a new way to use up leftovers? Turn leftover bbq jelly meatballs into meatball sliders with a package of dinner rolls and top them with cheddar cheese for a cheesy touch!
Leftovers are also delicious with coleslaw and cornbread!

Storage

Refrigerate - Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days if you can manage to keep them on hand.

Freezer - These slow cooker meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months in a resealable freezer-safe bag.

Reheat: Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then add them back into your crock pot or heat them on the stovetop.

A platter of cocktail meatballs with a close-up of a hand holding one meatball on a toothpick.

If you like your meatballs on the savory side, you’ve got to try my French Onion Meatballs next. They’re rich, hearty, and full of that slow-cooked caramelized onion flavor—total comfort food vibes.

These Sweet Asian Meatballs are another one of my favorite party foods to make when I am feeding a crowd for the big game. But, they are also great on top of a bowl of rice for a main dish.
Do you want to make a traditional meatball recipe instead? Try these Skillet Turkey Meatballs for that classic taste that you grew up with.
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy are also another great option for an easy dinner—the rich and savory gravy pairs ideally with the tender meatballs.

Find all of our tasty appetizers here!

These Crockpot Grape Jelly and Barbecue Meatballs are one of those easy wins that never fails—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or keeping them warm for game day snacking, they always disappear fast. Leave a comment after you give them a try!

Comments

5 from 7 votes

Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce