These 3 Ingredient Meatballs use frozen meatballs and are such an easy appetizer to make in the slow cooker! They are so tender and delicious in the best sweet and savory sauce that will make your taste buds go crazy. They’re the perfect appetizer for any get together but also make a great entree option too!
I love this delicious recipe so much because it literally only takes a few minutes to prep! Just dump everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Gosh I love my slow cooker! Who ever invented the slow cooker, you are seriously the bomb diggity.
Even though this recipe uses frozen meatballs I swear they taste just like homemade meatballs. They are so tender and absolutely to die for! Of course I love the sauce the most. Grape jelly bbq meatballs heaven. And the best part, you only need three ingredients. THREE!
This 3 ingredient meatballs recipe makes the perfect easy appetizer for holiday parties, game day, baby showers, or any occasion. They even work awesome for easy meal prep and main dishes paired with rice or noodles and some vegetables!
An absolute must-have recipe to have on hand when you need something quick for guests or to bring to party last minute! SO quick and easy and EVERYONE loves these!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CROCKPOT MEATBALLS
- Juicy meatballs heaven! The meatballs are so tender & juicy and coated in the most delicious grape jelly bbq sauce!
- QUICK 5-minute recipe – just dump in the slow cooker and let it do all the work!
- Party meatballs or main dish! Serve these up next game day or party or when you need something easy on a busy weeknight.
- Just THREE ingredients – all simple ingredients that can be found at your grocery store.
- Lightened up from traditional cocktail meatball recipes – lower in fat, calories and sugar.
- Family favorite – everyone loves these delicious meatballs and they will ask you to make them again.
INGREDIENTS
- Jelly – I used reduced sugar grape jelly. But you can use any type of jelly, jam or preserves. You could even switch up the fruit, like hot pepper jelly or apricot preserves would also be amazing.
- BBQ sauce – I used G Hughs Sugar-free Honey Barbecue Sauce. Use your favorite BBQ sauce!
- Meatballs – You will want to the the frozen meatballs that are already fully cooked here. I used cooked turkey meatballs but Italian meatballs or beef meatballs work too.
HOW TO MAKE 3 INGREDIENT MEATBALLS
- In the base of your slow cooker (or in a bowl) mix together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Add the bag of meatballs and toss until they’re all coated in sauce.
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low heat for 2-3 hours. Turn the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve.
- Enjoy as an appetizer or serve with rice or noodles and vegetables for a main course dish.
HOW TO STORE
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6-7 days.
3 INGREDIENT MEATBALLS: FAQ
Sure! Feel free to get creative and try different flavors of jams, jelly, and preserves. You could do apricot preserves, raspberry preserves, hot pepper jelly or even orange marmalade would be great substitutes!
I haven’t tried it without the barbecue sauce but I think a chili sauce like Heinz Chili Sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce would also taste amazing!
You can do Italian, beef or chicken meatballs as well. If you want something a little different, try subbing with Little Smokies smoked sausage links.
Yes, you can! Combine all the ingredients in a large pot or dutch oven. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until meatballs are warmed through.
WANT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try these 3 ingredient meatballs and love them, please rate this recipe!
You can also tag me on Instagram, @LaurenFitFoodie. It makes my day seeing your yummy recreations!
Easy 3 Ingredient Meatballs (Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs)
Ingredients
- 1 15.5-oz. jar reduced sugar grape jelly
- 15- oz. BBQ sauce – I used G Hughes sugar free honey
- 28- oz. frozen & fully cooked turkey meatballs
Instructions
- In the base of your slow cooker (or in a bowl) mix together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Add the bag of meatballs and toss until they’re all coated in sauce.
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low heat for 2-3 hours. Turn the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve.
- Enjoy as an appetizer or serve with rice or noodles and vegetables for a main course dish.
I was wondering what brand turkey meatballs you used.
This was so easy to throw in the crockpot and was the perfect app to bring to share for a super bowl party! Will definitely be making again.