3-Ingredient Barbecue Meatballs

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Want a tasty snack that’s super easy to make? Try these 3-ingredient barbecue meatballs! You only need frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce. Mix the sauces in a crockpot, add the meatballs, stir to coat, and cook on high for 3 hours. That’s it!

These meatballs are perfect for parties, game days, or just a simple family dinner. They’re sweet, tangy, and oh-so-yummy. Plus, your crockpot does all the work. You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for these easy 3-ingredient barbecue meatballs:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs
• 1 jar (18 oz) grape jelly
• 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce

Can’t find grape jelly? Try apricot or peach preserves instead. They’ll give a similar sweet flavor.

For the barbecue sauce, use your favorite brand and flavor. Sweet Baby Ray’s works great, but feel free to experiment!

Don’t have frozen meatballs? You can make your own with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Or try turkey meatballs for a lighter option.

Want to spice things up? Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

For a tangy twist, mix in a tablespoon of mustard or Worcestershire sauce.

Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own!

Instructions

Mix the grape jelly and barbecue sauce in your crockpot. Stir until well combined.

Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly.

Cover the crockpot and set it to high. Cook for about 3 hours.

Stir the meatballs a few times during cooking. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even coating.

Your meatballs are ready when they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Serve warm and enjoy! These make a great appetizer for parties or a fun family meal.

Tips:

• You can use fresh meatballs if you prefer
• Try different BBQ sauce flavors for variety
• Keep warm in the crockpot for serving at gatherings

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Stir the meatballs every hour to make sure they’re evenly coated in sauce. This helps them cook more evenly and taste better.

Try different barbecue sauce flavors to change up the taste. Spicy, sweet, or smoky sauces can give your meatballs a new twist.

You can use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot.

For a party, keep the meatballs warm in the crockpot on the low setting. Put toothpicks nearby so guests can easily grab them.

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.

To reheat, put the meatballs back in the crockpot on low for about an hour. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freeze extra meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try these serving ideas:

• On slider buns for mini sandwiches
• Over rice for a quick meal
• With toothpicks as an easy appetizer