These 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are super easy to make and packed with flavor! You just need meatballs, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a bit of time in the slow cooker.
Who doesn’t love meatballs slathered in sweet and tangy sauce? They’re perfect for snacks, parties, or a fun dinner! I love serving them on mini buns for tasty sliders!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: The star ingredient! I love using frozen fully cooked meatballs because they save time. You can use beef, pork, or turkey based on your preference. If you want a healthier option, consider using chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or flavor! Smoky, sweet, or tangy BBQ sauces can all work well. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. You could also try mustard BBQ sauce for a unique twist!
Grape or Cranberry Jelly: This might sound unusual, but it adds a beautiful sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce. If you’re not a fan, you could swap it for apple or peach preserves for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure the Meatballs Are Well-Coated with Sauce?
The key to perfectly coated meatballs is in how you mix and pour the sauce. It’s important to take a moment to mix the BBQ sauce and jelly until smooth before adding it to the meatballs. Follow these simple steps:
- After placing the meatballs in the crockpot, mix BBQ sauce and jelly in a bowl until well blended.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Use a spoon to gently toss the meatballs in the sauce for even coating.
- During cooking, stir once or twice to redistribute the sauce, ensuring every meatball gets delicious flavor.
With these tips, you’ll get the perfect sticky, flavorful meatballs every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Frozen Meatballs: 1 bag (about 24 oz or 700g) of frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- Barbecue Sauce: 1 bottle (18 oz or 510g) of your favorite barbecue sauce
- Jelly: 1 can (10 oz or 285g) of grape jelly or cranberry jelly
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then you’ll let the slow cooker work its magic for 2-6 hours. So, you can spend some time relaxing while those flavorful meatballs are cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs in your crockpot (that’s the slow cooker!). Spread them out in an even layer so they cook uniformly. No thawing necessary—just pop them in straight from the freezer!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the barbecue sauce and add the grape or cranberry jelly. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This sweet and tangy mixture is what makes the meatballs so delicious!
3. Combine and Cook:
Now, pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Make sure all of them get a good coating. Then, cover the crockpot. You can cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they are heated through and the sauce is looking nice and bubbly.
4. Stir and Serve:
About halfway through cooking, give the meatballs a gentle stir to make sure they are all coated in the yummy sauce. Once they’re done, serve them warm. You can garnish with some chopped parsley if you like, and they’re perfect as a party appetizer or a main dish! Try serving them over rice or on small buns for tasty sliders!
Enjoy these easy, sticky, and flavorful BBQ meatballs that are sure to be a hit! They’re perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners!<\/p>
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot, as they will cook through further while simmering in the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Grape Jelly?
If you don’t have grape jelly, you can use cranberry jelly, apple jelly, or even peach preserves! Each option will give a slightly different flavor but will still work great with the barbecue sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or sauce if necessary to keep them moist.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra meatballs and sauce!