Sweet and Tangy Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot BBQ Meatballs recipe is a simple and delicious appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion. With just three ingredients, you can create a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish using your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 (18-ounce) jar grape jelly
• 1 (18-ounce) jar BBQ sauce
• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl or directly in the slow cooker base, combine the grape jelly and BBQ sauce.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs and stir until they are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
3. Step 3: Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
4. Step 4: Once cooked, switch the slow cooker to warm mode until ready to serve.
5. Step 5: Serve as an appetizer straight from the slow cooker or over rice topped with chopped green onions for a satisfying main dish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• Try different BBQ sauces like smoky or spicy varieties to customize the taste to your liking.
• If you prefer fresh meatballs, brown them in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker for a deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. You may want to brown them first to enhance the flavor and ensure they are cooked through during the slow cooking process.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the sauce and meatballs in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. When ready, cook as directed. Just allow extra cooking time if cooking from cold.

Sweet and Tangy Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

This easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs recipe combines sweet grape jelly and tangy BBQ sauce to create a deliciously sticky glaze over tender, fully cooked meatballs. Perfect as a party appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying main dish, these meatballs are effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: About 50 meatballs, serving 8 to 10 people 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50 meatballs)

Sauce

• 1 (18-ounce) jar grape jelly
• 1 (18-ounce) jar BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl or directly in the base of your slow cooker, combine the entire jar of grape jelly and the jar of BBQ sauce. Stir gently until the jelly and BBQ sauce are fully blended together to form a smooth, tangy-sweet sauce.
2. Add Meatballs: Add the frozen fully cooked meatballs into the slow cooker. Stir carefully to coat all meatballs evenly with the grape jelly and BBQ sauce mixture, making sure each piece is well covered for maximum flavor.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the meatballs on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, or on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. The meatballs will heat through and absorb the sauce flavors while the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Keep Warm: Once cooked, you can switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to maintain serving temperature until ready to serve, preventing the meatballs from drying out.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or for a heartier meal, serve them over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Use fully cooked frozen meatballs for convenience; fresh meatballs would require longer cooking time.
• You can prepare this recipe a day ahead and refrigerate; just reheat in the slow cooker before serving.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce.
• Grape jelly can be substituted with cranberry jelly or peach preserves for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Crockpot BBQ Meatballs, slow cooker appetizer, party meatballs, easy meatball recipe, sweet and tangy meatballs, grape jelly BBQ sauce