Crockpot BBQ Meatballs – The Ultimate Sweet & Smoky Party Favorite
Hey there, I’m Chef Mia — your cozy kitchen companion! When I want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly saucy, these Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are my go-to. They simmer all day in a smoky-sweet sauce that makes your kitchen smell incredible. Whether it’s game day, a cozy family dinner, or a holiday potluck, this recipe brings comfort and joy straight from your slow cooker.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- ¾ cup grape jelly (or apricot jam for a twist)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Add BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add frozen meatballs and toss until fully coated.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
- Stir before serving — the sauce should be thick, glossy, and clingy.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice for a meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 4–6 quart slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Serving bowl or platter
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Use homemade meatballs for a heartier texture and less sodium.
- Substitute cranberry sauce for grape jelly during the holidays.
- Want it spicy? Add 1 tbsp hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make ahead! Reheat on Low for 1 hour before serving at parties.
Storage & Reheating
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container, reheat on stove or microwave. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze with sauce, thaw overnight, and warm in slow cooker. |
Why You’ll Love Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are the definition of easy comfort food. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — just set it and forget it. They’re a guaranteed crowd favorite for parties, potlucks, and cozy nights in.
Perfect for Parties and Meal Prep
Hosting a game day or family get-together? These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs double beautifully as both a main dish and appetizer. Serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking or spooned over mashed potatoes for a full meal. Bonus: they reheat and freeze like a dream, so you can prep them ahead of time and enjoy stress-free entertaining.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These saucy meatballs are super versatile! Try pairing them with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or white rice
- Buttery slider buns for easy BBQ sandwiches
- Mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort combo
- Fresh garden salad to balance the richness
More Delicious Ideas from My Kitchen
If you loved these meatballs, you’ll also enjoy:
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Honey Garlic Meatballs
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Sweet and Sour Pork Bites
If these Crockpot BBQ Meatballs made your gathering a hit, don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board and share it with your fellow food lovers!
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Crockpot BBQ Meatballs – The Ultimate Sweet & Smoky Party Favorite
- Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy meatballs slow-cooked in smoky BBQ sauce and grape jelly for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs frozen meatballs
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
¾ cup grape jelly
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Add BBQ sauce, jelly, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika to slow cooker.
2. Add meatballs and coat well.
3. Cook on Low 4–6 hours or High 2–3 hours.
4. Stir and serve warm, garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Swap grape jelly with cranberry sauce for holidays.
Add hot sauce for a spicy version.
Serve on slider buns or over rice.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Printable Recipe Card
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