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Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

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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.

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs in a square dish.
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs make an easy game day appetizer!

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.

Top down view of jelly and bbq sauce in a slow cooker.
To save bowls, mix the jelly and barbecue sauce right in the slow cooker.

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.

Top down view of sauced meatballs in a crock pot.
Make sure to evenly coat the meatballs.

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.

Cooked meatballs in a slow cooker.
Don’t overcook the sauce; otherwise, it may burn!

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.
Close up of bbq meatballs in a dish.
This recipe makes a ton of meatballs, so don’t forget to share!

Other slow cooker recipes you may enjoy:

Don’t forget to check out our Crockpot BBQ Meatballs web story!

BBQ Meatballs in a white dish.

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

4.8 from 10 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 66 Meatballs

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 32 Ounce Bag Frozen Meatballs homestyle variety
  • 18 Ounce Jar Peach Jelly or Preserves
  • 18 Ounce Container Barbecue Sauce

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.
  • 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.

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 3 meatballs. Actual calories will vary.
*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.

Nutrition

Serving: 3Meatballs | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g
Recipe Rating