Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Just make sure your homemade meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot, as this recipe assumes the meatballs are pre-cooked.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?

No need to thaw. This recipe is designed to work with fully frozen meatballs, which will cook perfectly in the sauce as the crockpot heats them through.

What can I use instead of grape jelly?

Strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or even cranberry sauce can work. Each gives a unique twist on the flavor, but still blends well with BBQ and honey.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Easy Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Name: Easy Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen meatballs; 1 cup BBQ sauce; ⅓ cup honey; ⅓ cup grape jelly; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Description

These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate sweet and savory crowd-pleaser. With only four main ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, this dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or even an easy weeknight meal. The bold flavor and sticky glaze make it a go-to for beginner cooks looking for a reliable, delicious result.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds frozen meatballs
1 cup BBQ sauce
⅓ cup honey
⅓ cup grape jelly
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and grape jelly until smooth and fully combined. This creates a sticky, sweet glaze that will coat every meatball beautifully.
Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the sauce over the top, and stir gently to coat each meatball evenly without breaking them apart.
Slow Cook Until Heated Through: Set your slow cooker to high for about 1 hour or low for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the sides and to ensure all the meatballs are evenly coated and heated.Finish and Serve: Once the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbling, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a platter for entertaining.

Notes

You can swap out the grape jelly for other fruit preserves depending on what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. These meatballs make excellent leftovers and are great for meal prep. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or in a hoagie roll for a fun sandwich option.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 5–6 meatballs
Calories: 442
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 435mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 81mg