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Easy 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Cocktail Meatballs Recipe for Perfect Party Snacks

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A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe using frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly to create sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs perfect for parties and quick snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen cocktail meatballs
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or rub with a little oil to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)
  2. Pour about 32 ounces (900 grams) of frozen cocktail meatballs evenly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw. (2 minutes)
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of BBQ sauce with 1 cup (240 ml) of grape jelly. Stir until smooth and fully blended. (3 minutes)
  4. Pour the BBQ-jelly mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat each meatball with the sauce. (3 minutes)
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until meatballs are heated through and tender. (3-4 hours)
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, gently stir the meatballs to redistribute the sauce. If sauce is too thin, uncover and cook for an extra 15 minutes to thicken. (15 minutes)
  7. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs for best texture and minimal prep. Stir gently to avoid breaking meatballs. For less sweetness, reduce grape jelly or substitute with apricot preserves. Slow cook on low heat to keep meatballs tender. Slow cooker liner recommended for easy cleanup. Variations include adding hot sauce for spice or smoked paprika for smoky flavor. Can be prepared in advance by assembling the night before and cooking the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ meatballs, cocktail meatballs, party snacks, easy appetizers, grape jelly, BBQ sauce, 3-ingredient recipe