How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
American · Easy · 245 min · 6 servings
These 3 ingredient crockpot BBQ meatballs combine frozen meatballs with a tangy, sweet sauce for the easiest party appetizer or weeknight dinner. Grape jelly and BBQ sauce create a classic sticky glaze that coats every single meatball perfectly.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 245 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 0.5 cup grape jelly
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0 no oil needed
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In the slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce and grape jelly until fully combined and smooth. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if desired.
Step 2: Add Meatballs and Cook
Add the frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened and become glossy, switch the slow cooker to warm. Stir one more time to coat all meatballs evenly before serving over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- grape jelly → cranberry sauce or apricot jam for a fruity twist
- frozen meatballs → homemade beef or turkey meatballs baked ahead of time
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using cold or thawed meatballs improperly which can affect texture during slow cooking
- Not stirring halfway through which causes uneven sauce coverage and some meatballs drying out
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 22g protein, 38g carbs, 19g fat, 1g fiber.
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