Barbeque Meatballs with Grape Jelly BBQ sauce is an easy slow cooker meal perfect for both weeknight meals or entertaining. The tangy combination of barbecue sauce and grape jelly comes together to create a delicious flavor that everyone in your family will love.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This simple yet flavorful dish will become an instant favorite whether it's devoured outdoors or enjoyed indoors. Soft and juicy meatballs get their kick from just the right amount of tangy BBQ sauce balanced out perfectly by sweet grape jelly.
- Easy. Making these frozen meatballs in the crock pot takes only minutes of prep time before heading to work, to return to a ready to serve meal.
- Budget friendly. Frozen meatballs are a ready to cook protein that are very affordable. You can find them in chicken, turkey, and meatless versions that are even more budget friendly!
- Amazing flavor. The tangy combination of barbecue sauce and grape jelly comes together to create a delicious flavor that everyone in your family will love.
- Versatile. You can serve these as appetizers alone with toothpicks, at a buffet to top noodles or rice, or even for entertaining as an entree.
Ingredients You'll Need
The sweet and tangy flavors of the grape jelly and barbecue sauce combine to create a truly irresistible dish. These frozen meatballs in the crock pot are perfect for any occasion, from a casual potluck, Holiday buffet, or served as appetizers.
- Frozen Meatballs - Any brand, variety, or flavor. You'll find them as Homestyle, Italian, Meatless, and available as all beef, beef and pork, chicken, turkey, and vegetarian.
- Chili sauce - 12 oz bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce, or similar.
- Grape jelly - Welch's or any brand.
- Brown sugar - Light or brown.
- Garlic powder
- Orange juice - Fresh, bottled, or frozen.
- Green onions - Sliced thinly.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Crock Pot Frozen Meatballs
If you're looking for a fun and delicious way to please the whole family at your next summer barbecue, look no further than these tasty barbecue meatballs with grape jelly! Here's how to make these easy, frozen meatballs in the crock pot:
Frozen Meatballs In Slow Cooker
- Add the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the entire bottle of chili sauce on top of the meatballs.
Add The Grape Jelly
- Next, add the grape jelly, brown sugar, garlic powder, and orange juice to the slow cooker.
Cover and Slow Cook
- Stir everything together, making sure all the meatballs are completely covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
- When done, transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and tangy BBQ meatballs with grape jelly over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer. They are perfect on a buffet table served in the crockpot on warm also.
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- Wagyu Meatballs with Marinara
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- Amish Coleslaw (Old Fashioned Coleslaw)
- Collard Greens Greens in the Crockpot
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations making these frozen meatballs in the crock pot.
- You can substitute any type of jelly for the grape jelly in this recipe.
- For a different flavor profile, try using different types of barbecue sauce.
- You can also add other ingredients to the slow cooker, such as chopped onion, bell pepper, or mushrooms.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making these crockpot frozen meatballs.
This frozen meatball slow cooker recipe is easily doubled also!
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Storage Options
- These crockpot frozen meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- They can also be stored in freezer safe containers frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the barbecue meatballs in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Then, cook them on low in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Tips for Success
- You can brown the frozen meatballs in a skillet for more flavor before adding to the crockpot.
- If you don't have frozen meatballs, you can make your own. Simply combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and your favorite seasonings. Roll the mixture into meatballs and cook them according to the package directions.
- For a spicier meatball, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs in this recipe. Simply brown them in the skillet or oven before adding them to the slow cooker.
es, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the covered frozen meatballs and sauce ingredients for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Some other side dishes that you can serve with these crockpot frozen meatballs include macaroni and cheese, rice, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
More Delish Ideas
Barbecue Meatballs with Grape Jelly
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ lb meatballs frozen, any variety
- 12 oz chili sauce 1
- 1 cup grape jelly any brand
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.1½ lb meatballs
- Add the entire bottle of chili sauce on top of the meatballs.12 oz chili sauce
- Next, add the grape jelly, brown sugar, garlic powder, and orange juice to the slow cooker.1 cup grape jelly, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ¼ cup orange juice
- Stir everything together, making sure all the meatballs are completely covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
- When done, transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve with white rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.2 green onions
Notes
- You can brown the frozen meatballs in a skillet for more flavor before adding to the crockpot.
- If you don't have frozen meatballs, you can make your own. Simply combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and your favorite seasonings. Roll the mixture into meatballs and cook them according to the package directions.
- For a spicier meatball, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture.
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