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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer

    Easy Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

    Published: May 31, 2019 · Modified: May 5, 2022 by Ang Paris · 6 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    Crockpot Jelly meatballs are a cinch to make and so very tasty as a main dish, or an appetizer!
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    Crockpot Jelly meatballs are a cinch to make and so very tasty as a main dish, or an appetizer! via @jugglingactmamaCrockpot Jelly meatballs are a cinch to make and so very tasty as a main dish, or an appetizer! via @jugglingactmama

    Crockpot Jelly meatballs are a cinch to make and so very tasty as a main dish, or an appetizer!

    A close up of crockpot jelly meatballs on a bed of brown rice in a white bowl garnished with fresh parsley.
    Serve with brown rice for a hearty main meal, or bring these meatballs as an appetizer for your next potluck party! Either way, they are sure to be a big hit!
    PIN FOR LATER
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Crockpot Jelly Meatballs
    • Crockpot Jelly Meatballs Recipe
    • Homemade Crockpot Jelly Meatballs
    • New Recipes You'll Love
    • 💬 Comments

    I'll be completely honest with you; when I first heard about jelly meatballs, I was a little disgusted. Why on Earth would anyone add jelly to meatballs??

    Last Christmas at Olivia's Girl Scout holiday party, one of the leaders made these totally AMAZING meatballs. When I asked her for the recipe I was shocked to find out they were jelly meatballs.

    True story! These are SO good. For real. No lie. Totally serious.

    What I'm trying to say is they're really, really good and I stand corrected because Crockpot Jelly Meatballs rock!

    Crockpot Jelly Meatballs garnished with fresh chopped parsley in a white serving bowl.

    Homemade Meatballs vs Frozen

    For this recipe, we're starting with a variation of my husband's famous Homemade Italian Meatballs. I've tweaked the seasonings some and we're omitting the cheese for this version.

    A sheet pan full of uncooked meatballs.

    Shortcut Recipe Variation

    However, if you are short on time, you can definitely use frozen store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch!

    Frozen meatballs from the grocery store are perfect in a pinch! This is the ultimate 3-ingredient potluck recipe!

    Ingredients

    • jelly - I used blackberry, but grape is called for in the classic recipe.
    • BBQ sauce
    • ground beef and ground pork
    • eggs
    • breadcrumbs
    • granulated garlic, dried parsley, salt and pepper

    Note: If you are using frozen meatballs, all you need in addition is the jelly and BBQ sauce.

    You will need a slow cooker or Crockpot, large mixing bowl, liquid measuring cup, and baking sheets, as well as a whisk for this recipe.

    A set of tongs holds a single Meatball without the sauce.

    How to Make Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

    1. If you are using frozen meatballs, skip to step #6.
    2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix really well.  Mr. Juggling Act uses his hands to mix.  If the mixture feels very dense, you can add a splash of water.
    3. Roll the meat mixture into 2" balls.  The mixture will feel a little like dough that needs more flour, but more dense. 
    4. Arrange the meatballs on a large baking tray.  Add about ½-inch of water to the tray to prevent the meatballs from sticking or burning.
    5. Bake in a 350-degree F oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until meatballs are browned.
    6. In a large liquid measuring cup, add the jelly and BBQ sauce and whisk the mixture to combine.
    7. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
    8. Gently mix them around to coat in the sauce.
    9. Place the cover on the meatballs and cook on low for 4 hours.
    Using grape jelly will give the sauce a brighter color, although much if it also depends on the color of your BBQ sauce also.
    A Jelly and BBQ sauce  mixture is poured from a liquid measuring cup into a slow cooker.
    What is the difference between jam and jelly?

    Jam has pulp or bits of fruit in it, while jelly is made with fruit juice; therefore, jelly has a smoother consistency.

    What kind of jelly do you use?

    The classic recipe calls for grape jelly. I chose to make these with blackberry jelly, which is very good also.

    How do I serve Crockpot Jelly Meatballs as a main dish?

    It is simple to make these meatballs into a main meal. I like to serve them with rice and broccoli, but they would also work with egg noodles.

    What else can I serve as an appetizer?

    My Sour Cream Bacon Cheddar Dip is always a big hit at parties.

    For a healthy bite, whip up some these Easy Cucumber Appetizers.

    Need something a little sweet? This Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cheeseball recipe is super simple.

    Here are a couple of other appetizers you might enjoy:

    • Beef Queso Dip
    • Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Bread
    • Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pockets
    • Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry
    • Loaded Potato Skins
    • Beef Queso Dip
    • Game Day March Madness Munchies
    A close up of Crockpot Jelly Meatballs garnished with fresh chopped parsley. One meatball has a toothpick in it.
    These quick and easy slow cooker meatballs with their sweet and tangy sauce are so tasty!
    PIN FOR LATER

    Crockpot Jelly Meatballs Recipe

    You're going to love the great flavor you get from combining jelly and BBQ sauce for these yummy meatballs!

    Homemade Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

    Crockpot Jelly meatballs are a cinch to make and so very tasty as a main dish, or an appetizer!
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Potluck
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Crockpot Jelly Meatballs
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 215kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Sheet Pans
    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Whisk

    Ingredients

    Homemade Meatballs

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 lb ground pork
    • ¾ cup dry breadcrumbs
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Jelly BBQ Sauce

    • 18 oz Grape or Blackberry Jelly
    • 18 oz BBQ Sauce

    Instructions

    • Combine the ground beef and pork with the eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings in a bowl and mix really well.  Mr. Juggling Act uses his hands to mix.  If the mixture feels very dense, you can add a splash of water.
    • Roll the meat mixture into 2" balls.  The mixture will feel a little like dough that needs more flour, but more dense. 
    • TIP: Do not overwork the meatballs.  Roll them gently between your palms until they just come together.
    • Arrange the meatballs on a large baking tray.  Add about ½-inch of water to the tray to prevent the meatballs from sticking or burning.
    • Bake in a 350-degree F oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until meatballs are browned.
    • Cooked Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

    • Into a large liquid measuring cup, add the jelly and BBQ sauce.
    • Whisk the mixture to combine.
    • Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, then pour in the sauce.
    • Gently mix them around to coat in the sauce.
    • Place the cover on the meatballs and cook on low for 4 hours.
    • Serve as an appetizer or with rice and veggies for a main meal.

    Notes

     
    If you wish to freeze some or all of the meatballs, wait until they are completely cooled.  Place them in freezer bag and remove as much of the air as possible. 
    Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
     

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Comments

    1. Jenny says

      June 03, 2019 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      These look REALLY good! I think I am going to make them for a potluck I have next week.
      Thank you for the great recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Lilly says

        May 23, 2021 at 8:09 pm

        Me too

        Reply
    2. Karen Howard says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      Yes- I would have to agree w/ the Blackberry on the jelly meatballs. Better than grape. I use a lot of berry jams for myself, but never thought to add to this recipe. Just might now. Thanks.

      Reply
    3. Marg H says

      January 14, 2021 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      So, so good! And easy too. Thank you

      Reply
    4. Samantha Murch says

      December 20, 2021 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      I made these for a company pot luck on Thursday and everyone LOVED them. SO easy and so yummy!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        December 20, 2021 at 9:40 am

        I am so glad! Thank you so much for leaving a comment - totally makes my day 🙂

        Reply

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