These 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are super easy to make and oh so tasty! With just meatballs, BBQ sauce, and a splash of grape jelly, you’ll have a sweet and tangy dish that everyone loves!
Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner, these meatballs practically cook themselves. I love serving them with toothpicks—it’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious snack, just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Fast, fun, and finger-licking good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Cocktail Meatballs: These are the star of the dish and super convenient! If you want a healthier option, you could use turkey meatballs or even homemade meatballs if you have some on hand.
BBQ Sauce: Any variety of BBQ sauce will work, from sweet to spicy. My personal favorite is a smoky chipotle sauce for a little kick! If you’re looking for a less sweet option, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Grape Jelly: This unique ingredient adds sweetness and a nice gloss to the sauce. If you prefer, substitute with cranberry jelly or a fruit preserve like apricot for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure the Meatballs Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the right temperature and texture for meatballs in a crockpot is essential. Always start with frozen meatballs; it’s easier, and they won’t fall apart. Cook them on low for a longer time (4-6 hours) for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking. This helps the sauce coat them evenly.
- If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 2-3 hours is fine; just check they are heated all the way through.
- At the end, you can leave the lid off for about 30 minutes if you want the sauce to thicken up a bit more.
3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen cocktail meatballs
- 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. You’ll then let the crockpot do all the work! Plan for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your schedule.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Take the frozen cocktail meatballs and place them directly in the crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them first—just pop them in frozen for quick and easy cooking!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir them together until they are well mixed and smooth. This will create a sweet and tangy coating for the meatballs.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot, using a spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure all meatballs get a good covering!
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the crockpot with the lid. If you’re cooking on low, set the timer for 4-6 hours, or for high, set it for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will be ready when they are hot and the sauce has thickened nicely.
5. Stir Occasionally:
During the cooking process, give the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice. This helps the sauce distribute evenly and ensures all meatballs are equally delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you’d like to add a pop of color. Then, serve the meatballs warm as a tasty appetizer or pour them over rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen Ones?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can be a great option. Just make sure they are pre-cooked before adding them to the crockpot to ensure they are heated through properly. You can follow the same steps with your homemade meatballs and sauce!
What Other Sauces Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces! You can try using sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a spicy salsa for a different flavor twist. Just keep the grape jelly for sweetness to maintain that lovely glaze!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or back into the crockpot on low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to two months—just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure your crockpot has enough room to fit all the meatballs. If you need to, you can cook them in two separate batches to ensure they cook evenly. Enjoy the leftovers!
