Get ready to transform ordinary frozen meatballs into a mind-blowing crowd-pleasing dish that's so easy, you'll feel like a culinary genius! These Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly are the ultimate party hack that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one incredibly simple recipe. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, holiday party, or just craving a delicious appetizer, these meatballs will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce. Ensure your slow cooker/crockpot is clean and ready.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Place the frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour the prepared grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring all meatballs are completely coated and covered.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the meatballs for 4 hours, stirring gently once or twice during cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
- After 4 hours, check that meatballs are heated through and sauce has thickened slightly. Internal temperature of meatballs should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, switch crockpot to warm setting to keep meatballs hot for serving.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, or with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Tips
- Use quality ingredients: Choose a robust barbecue sauce and a good grape jelly for the best flavor profile.
- Don't stir too frequently: Gently mix once or twice during cooking to prevent meatballs from breaking apart.
- Check temperature: Ensure meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and kept warm in the crockpot, making them perfect for potlucks and parties.
- If the sauce seems too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help it reduce and thicken.
- Serve with toothpicks, over rice, or as a standalone appetizer for maximum versatility.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 27mg
