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A plate of glazed BBQ meatballs crockpot garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges sits on a dark table, with a bowl of peppercorns and lemon halves in the background.

BBQ meatballs crockpot

These BBQ meatball crockpot delights are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a rich, smoky sauce—perfect for easy dinners, potlucks, or game day snacks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Basic Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds 32 oz frozen, fully-cooked meatballs
  • 1½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 cup grape jelly

Optional Flavor Boosters:

  • ¼ cup ketchup for added tomato richness
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for extra sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon honey for depth and glossy finish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory notes
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat lovers
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning for a tangy twist
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke for that cookout flavor
  • ½ yellow onion finely diced (for texture and flavor)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the sauce base: In your slow cooker, combine the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. If you're using any of the optional flavor boosters, add them now. Whisk these ingredients together until fairly smooth (don't worry if the jelly doesn't completely incorporate yet—it will melt as it heats).
  • Add the meatballs: Gently add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and use a large spoon to toss them until evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
  • Set it and (almost) forget it: Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours. The meatballs are already cooked, so you're primarily heating them through and allowing them to absorb the delicious sauce flavors.
  • Stir occasionally: While not strictly necessary, stirring the meatballs once or twice during cooking helps ensure even sauce coverage and prevents any potential sticking to the sides of the pot.
  • Serve warm: Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting. They can be kept on this setting for up to 2 hours during your gathering, making them perfect for grazing at parties.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Information

Please note that nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
  • Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (based on 8 servings)
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 690mg

Key Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW
  • Total Time: 2-6 hours (depending on crockpot setting)
  • Servings: 8-10 as an appetizer, 4-6 as a main dish
  • Equipment Needed: 4-6 quart slow cooker
Keyword BBQ sauce, crockpot, meatballs