Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are an easy appetizer recipe that takes 5 minutes to prep and only has 3 ingredients. Super simple and full of flavor!
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are the newest addition to the slow cooker recipe collection here on the site. These are perfect for game day snacking or a lazy afternoon when you need a dump-and-go appetizer.
It’s right up there with our slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, crockpot chicken nachos, and slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs.
Crockpot BBQ meatballs come in a ton of flavors and varieties, but we decided to change this one up a bit. One of the most popular kinds is made with grape jelly and barbecue sauce or grape jelly and chili sauce.
While we love both of those flavors, we also think peach and barbecue are a great combination. That’s why we decided to use peach preserves and barbecue sauce instead of grape jelly.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Meatballs:
This recipe is so easy and takes virtually no babysitting. Just a little stirring and done!
Add the peach jelly or peach preserves along with the barbecue sauce to the slow cooker. Use a whisk to combine.
*If you’d prefer grape jelly and BBQ sauce try this Crockpot Grape Jelly and BBQ Meatballs recipe.
If there are large chunks of peach in the preserves, those may need to be cut into small pieces so they mix well and don’t burn.
Add the frozen meatballs, and give everything a good stir. We like plain or homestyle meatballs for this recipe.
Add the lid, and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. I like to check the meatballs at the 2 hour mark, and stir them again just to make sure none of the sauce is sticking or burning.
After the meatballs finish cooking, serve them as-is with toothpicks for individual serving.
Another option is to serve the crockpot BBQ meatballs over rice, in lettuce wraps, or on a bun with slaw as a barbecue meatball sandwich.
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions:
Should I thaw meatballs before putting in crockpot?
If the meatballs are pre-cooked and then frozen, they don’t need to be thawed. Just add them to the slow cooker and cook as written in the instructions.
Can I use a different flavor of jelly?
Yes, use any flavor you like. As mentioned above, grape is very popular flavor. Any flavor that compliments BBQ sauce would taste great.
Blueberry and blackberry are a couple that come to mind.
Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?
Sure! Either turkey or chicken meatballs would work as a substitute for the homestyle meatballs as long as they’re pre-cooked and frozen.
Can I use homemade, non-frozen meatballs?
We haven’t tested the recipe with homemade meatballs or non-frozen meatballs. If you’d like to use homemade meatballs, they should be cooked first (not raw). If they aren’t frozen, the cook time would be considerably less.
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 18 ounces peach jelly or preserves (1 jar)
- 18 ounces barbecue sauce 1 bottle
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs homestyle variety (1 bag)
Instructions
- Combine the jelly and barbecue sauce in a medium bowl or the base of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs and stir to coat.18 ounces peach jelly18 ounces barbecue sauce32 ounces frozen meatballs
- Cook the meatballs on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve hot as an appetizer. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.