3-Ingredient Meatballs

Name: 3-Ingredient Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen meatballs; 16 oz grape jelly; 16 oz BBQ sauce

These 3-ingredient slow cooker meatballs combine frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory appetizer that requires no prep and minimal effort.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Meatballs 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Grape jelly meatballs 🏷️Slow cooker Party food

🏷️

🏷️Game-day

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

2h 10m

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$10–$16

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

32 oz frozen meatballs
16 oz grape jelly
16 oz BBQ sauce

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Optional: For best results, bake or sear the frozen meatballs according to package directions until browned. This step can be skipped.
2
In the basin of a slow cooker, whisk together the grape jelly and BBQ sauce until combined.
3
Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
4
Stir well to ensure all meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
5
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
6
Give the meatballs a final stir and serve warm.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure the sauce coats evenly and prevents sticking to the bottom.
Use a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours rather than high for optimal flavor development and sauce consistency.
For a thicker sauce, leave the slow cooker lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.

Substitutions

Grape jelly → Apricot preserves (tangier, less grape flavor)
BBQ sauce → Chili sauce or salsa (spicier, different sweetness)
Frozen meatballs → Fresh or refrigerated meatballs (reduce cooking time to 1-1.5 hours)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on low or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Equipment

slow cooker

Common Questions

Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes. Combine all ingredients in a large skillet over medium-low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and sauce thickens.