Easy Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

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

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!

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.

Shortcut Recipe Variation

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

Jelly Meatballs Shopping List

Here’s what you will need to make this recipe:

• 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.

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 1/2-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.

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:

Crockpot Jelly Meatballs Recipe

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

Not ready to make it yet? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later.

When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures!

And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

Homemade Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

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

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Potluck

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

Author: Ang Paris

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Equipment

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

Ingredients

Homemade Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 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 1/2-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.

 

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.

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