One game day afternoon I was scrambling to pull together something hearty for a few friends coming over and all I had was a bag of frozen meatballs and a half-used bottle of barbecue sauce and with little time to spare I tossed them in the crockpot and hoped for the best. A few hours later the entire house smelled amazing and those sticky sweet and smoky BBQ meatballs were gone before halftime.

Since then I’ve made these crockpot BBQ meatballs countless times and they’re a true set-it-and-forget-it crowd-pleaser and I love how easy it is to throw everything together and let the slow cooker do its magic and they’re perfect for parties potlucks or even lazy weekend dinners when comfort food is calling.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Frozen meatballs – The base of the dish and a big time-saver
Barbecue sauce – Adds a smoky sweet and tangy flavor that coats the meatballs perfectly
Grape jelly – Balances the BBQ sauce with subtle sweetness and creates a rich glaze
Garlic powder – Boosts the flavor with a savory kick
Onion powder – Adds depth and a warm aromatic layer to the sauce

Tools You’ll Need

Crockpot or slow cooker – The key to gently heating and infusing the meatballs with flavor over time
Measuring cups – For portioning out the sauce and jelly
Mixing bowl – To combine the sauce before pouring over the meatballs
Spoon or tongs – For stirring and serving the meatballs once cooked
Serving bowl or platter – Great for dishing them up for a party or family dinner

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by plugging in my crockpot and setting it to low or high depending on how much time I have and then I pour the frozen meatballs directly into the insert

Step 2:

In a mixing bowl I stir together the barbecue sauce grape jelly garlic powder and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and glossy

Step 3:

I pour the sauce over the meatballs making sure each one is coated evenly and I give everything a gentle stir to combine

Step 4:

Then I cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours and I stir them occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking

Step 5:

Once they’re hot and coated in thick sticky sauce I switch the crockpot to warm and serve them straight from the pot or transfer to a platter for guests

Tips

You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer just brown them first so they hold up well in the sauce

Try different BBQ sauce flavors like honey chipotle or smoky mesquite for a twist

For a spicy kick add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the sauce mix

Ways to Serve

Serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer at parties

Spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner

Make sandwiches by layering them on sub rolls with melted cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot

Do BBQ meatballs in the crockpot need to be stirred while cooking?

Yes I like to stir once or twice during cooking to make sure they’re evenly coated and don’t stick

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely these BBQ meatballs in the crockpot freeze well and reheat beautifully

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these BBQ meatballs in the crockpot a try and they’re perfect for when you want something easy flavorful and sure to impress and whether it’s game day or dinner time this recipe never disappoints. Let me know how you serve yours and if you add your own twist!

Happy Cooking!