Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Uses only three basic ingredients — super easy to remember and shop for
-
Minimal prep — takes about 5 minutes to assemble
-
Crowd‑pleaser — these are always a hit for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Fully cooked meatballs (frozen or prepared)
-
Barbecue sauce
-
Grape jelly
Directions
-
Place the meatballs into the crockpot or slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer.
-
Pour the barbecue sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs.
-
Cook on high for about 1 hour, or on low for 2 to 3 hours.
-
Once cooked, stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
-
Serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 12 servings (as an appetizer)
-
Prep time: 5 minutes
-
Cook time: 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high
-
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes (low) or 1 hour 5 minutes (high)
Variations
-
Use chili sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a tangier, slightly spicy version
-
Add pineapple chunks or juice for a Hawaiian twist
-
Substitute honey or another jam like cranberry for grape jelly
-
Use meatless meatballs for a vegetarian-friendly option
-
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to increase the heat
Storage/Reheating
-
To store: Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days
-
To reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through
-
To freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
FAQs
Can I use raw meatballs?
You can, but fully cooked or frozen meatballs are best for consistent and quick results.
Can I cook this in a smaller slow cooker?
Yes, just make sure the meatballs fit comfortably and are coated well with sauce.
Will the sauce separate or become too thin?
If the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off for the last 15 minutes of cooking to help it thicken.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
What size meatballs should I use?
Bite-sized meatballs work best, but larger ones are fine if given a bit more time to heat through.
Is there a substitute for grape jelly?
Yes — try cranberry jelly, apricot preserves, or even pineapple jam for a different flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough and everything is evenly coated and heated.
Should I stir the meatballs during cooking?
No need to stir while cooking. Just give them a gentle mix at the end to evenly coat them.
Can I skip the BBQ sauce?
BBQ sauce adds a smoky depth. You can replace it with chili sauce or experiment with other sauces if preferred.
Is this suitable for parties?
Definitely. These meatballs are ideal for serving at parties, and the slow cooker keeps them warm for hours.
Conclusion
Crockpot Grape‑Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate fuss-free appetizer. With only three ingredients and barely any prep time, you get a batch of sweet, sticky, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for entertaining or snacking. Keep this easy recipe on hand — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
