Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. These little bites of goodness are cooked low and slow in a hearty barbecue sauce, making them super tender!
They’re great as a finger food for parties or just a cozy dinner at home. I love to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers on sandwiches. Who doesn’t love meatballs, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are super convenient, but you can also make your own from scratch using ground beef or turkey. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken works well too.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand! For a healthier twist, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. Homemade BBQ sauce can add a personal touch if you like experimenting in the kitchen.
Grape Jelly: This ingredient adds a lovely sweetness. You can substitute it with other fruit preserves or jams like apricot or plum for a different flavor profile.
Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out or replace it with soy sauce for some umami flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Are Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
Getting a good coating of sauce is key for flavor. First, make sure the meatballs are completely frozen when you put them in the crock pot. This helps them hold their shape during cooking. Stir the sauce thoroughly before pouring it over the meatballs to ensure an even mix.
- After adding the sauce, gently stir the meatballs to coat them as best as possible.
- Make sure to check and stir occasionally while they cook; this helps keep them coated.
- The longer the meatballs cook, the more they soak in the flavors.
Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a busy day, and you can get plenty done while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Begin by placing the frozen meatballs right into your crock pot. No need to thaw; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Coat the Meatballs:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot. Make sure to cover all the meatballs with that tasty sauce!
4. Let Them Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid. If you choose to cook on low, set the timer for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. Either way, they’ll come out amazing!
5. Stir Occasionally:
If you can, give the meatballs a gentle stir every so often during cooking. This will ensure each meatball gets coated evenly with the sauce.
6. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these BBQ meatballs as a fun appetizer with toothpicks, or pour them over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying main dish. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy warm, tender meatballs richly coated with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce from your crock pot!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs! If your meatballs are uncooked, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. Cooking fresh meatballs on low for about 6-8 hours is advisable, while high can take about 3-4 hours.
What If I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No problem! You can substitute grape jelly with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or even apple jelly. Just keep in mind that each type will slightly change the overall flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra barbecue sauce to keep them moist.
