Description
These Slow Cooker Sweet & Savory Meatballs offer an irresistible combination of tangy barbecue sauce, sweet grape jelly, and a hint of Worcestershire, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or game days. Simply toss frozen fully cooked meatballs in a luscious sauce and let the slow cooker do the work for tender, flavorful bites served warm and glossy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker in an even layer to ensure even cooking and heating.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until a smooth and well-combined sauce forms, balancing sweet and savory flavors.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently with a spoon to thoroughly coat all meatballs with the sauce without breaking them apart.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir gently once halfway through cooking to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy, serve warm directly from the slow cooker as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
- You can keep the meatballs warm on the slow cooker’s warm setting for serving over an extended period.
- Using frozen fully cooked meatballs simplifies prep and ensures even cooking in the slow cooker.
