Crock Pot BBQ Grape Jam Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot BBQ Meatball recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties or game day. With just a few simple ingredients, you get tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 26 oz. Fully-Cooked Frozen Meatballs
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup Welch’s Concord Grape Jam
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce and 1 cup of grape jam. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 2: Place the frozen meatballs in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the barbecue and grape jam mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 4 hours or on High for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Step 4: When done, switch the slow cooker to the ‘WARM’ setting. Serve the meatballs immediately or keep warm during your party or football game.
Tips & Variations
- For a fun twist, serve the meatballs as sliders with Swiss or Cheddar cheese slices for added richness.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs can be used, but adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through, typically longer than with frozen meatballs.
Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
You can simmer the meatballs and sauce in a covered pan over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, but the slow cooker offers the easiest and hands-off method.
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Crock Pot BBQ Grape Jam Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (High) or 4 hours 5 minutes (Low)
- Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot BBQ Meatball recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for game days, parties, or easy family meals. Combining frozen fully-cooked meatballs with a savory blend of sweet barbecue sauce and Concord grape jam, these meatballs simmer slowly in a crock pot for tender, tangy, and delicious results. Serve them as a hearty appetizer or as sliders with your favorite cheese for an extra tasty treat.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 26 oz. Fully-Cooked Frozen Meatballs
Sauce
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup Welch’s Concord Grape Jam
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce with 1 cup of Welch’s Concord Grape Jam. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create a tangy-sweet sauce base.
- Place meatballs in slow cooker: Put the 26 oz. of fully-cooked frozen meatballs into a 5-6 quart slow cooker, evenly spreading them out so they heat consistently.
- Add sauce to meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the frozen meatballs, making sure they are well-coated and mostly covered by the sauce for even flavor infusion.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the meatball mixture on Low for 4 hours or on High for 2 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking to the sides.
- Keep warm and serve: Once cooking time is complete and meatballs are heated through, switch your slow cooker to the ‘WARM’ setting. Serve the meatballs hot right away or keep them warm to enjoy slowly during your party or football game.
- Optional serving suggestion: For a delicious twist, serve these meatballs as sliders topped with a slice of Swiss or Cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to reduce prep time and simplify the cooking process.
- Stirring occasionally helps prevent sauce from burning or sticking to the slow cooker sides.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- These meatballs freeze well for leftover storage and can be reheated easily in a slow cooker or microwave.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (High) or 4 hours (Low)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot meatballs, BBQ meatballs, slow cooker recipes, party appetizers, easy meatball recipe, game day food
