Name: Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs; 1 cup grape jelly; 1½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite style); Optional:; 1 tablespoon hot sauce or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)

Crockpot grape jelly meatballs are one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing appetizers I make. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, they’re sweet, tangy, and savory all at once—perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.

Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s nearly effortless and always gets rave reviews. I just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The grape jelly and BBQ sauce combine to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite. It’s one of those classic comfort recipes that never goes out of style—and it’s endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen fully cooked meatballs
Grape jelly
BBQ sauce (your favorite kind—sweet, smoky, or spicy)
Optional: hot sauce or chili flakes for a little heat

Directions

I add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce to the crockpot and stir until mostly combined.
I pour in the frozen meatballs and toss them gently to coat with the sauce.
I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy.
I give everything a good stir before serving and keep them warm in the crockpot if serving for a party.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 appetizer servings or 4–5 main dish servings. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 2–5 hours in the slow cooker depending on the heat setting.

Variations

I’ve swapped BBQ sauce for chili sauce (like Heinz) for the classic version.
Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce.
I sometimes stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
For a spicy kick, I mix in sriracha, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. They also freeze well—just cool completely, store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and reheat when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes! I’ve made these with homemade meatballs and they’re delicious. I just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?

Absolutely. Turkey and chicken meatballs work great and lighten up the dish a bit.

What brand of BBQ sauce is best?

I use whatever I have on hand. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a favorite for its bold flavor, but smoky or spicy varieties also work well depending on the mood.

Can I make these on the stovetop?

Yes, I combine everything in a large saucepan, cover, and simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How do I serve them?

I serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles for an easy meal.

Conclusion

Crockpot grape jelly meatballs are the definition of an effortless crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, I get a dish that’s sweet, tangy, and totally addictive. Whether I’m making them for a game day snack, a holiday gathering, or a no-fuss dinner, this recipe is always a winner.