Easy Crockpot Jelly Meatballs

Whether you want an easy appetizer for a party or a simple weeknight meal, these crockpot jelly meatballs are perfect!

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!

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, a large mixing bowl, a 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.

Similar Recipes

If you love these Crockpot Jelly Meatballs, here are more meatball recipes we think you’ll enjoy:

• Italian Chicken Meatballs – delicious chicken meatballs that are perfect as a main dish, in sandwiches, or served as an appetizer. Kids love them.
• Keto Chicken Meatballs – a keto-friendly option for game day that everyone will enjoy whether they’re watching their carbs or not!
• Instant Pot Korean Meatballs – sweet and spicy with just the right amount of heat. Delicious over rice or noodles or all by themselves.
• Mini Meatballs & Basil Tomato Sauce – these meatballs are the perfect size for kids and freeze beautifully to help you whip up dinner in a flash later on.
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs – with a tangy sauce, sweet pineapple, onions and peppers, these meatballs are always a big hit.

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

Crockpot Jelly Meatballs Recipe

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