Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Why You’ll Love Honey BBQ Crockpot MeatballsRecipe

This recipe is simple to throw together in minutes, cooks hands-off in the crockpot, and delivers sweet, sticky meatballs full of flavor. The minimal ingredients make it budget-friendly and kid-approved, and it’s ideal for game days, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lb frozen meatballs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup grape jelly
Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and grape jelly until smooth and combined.

2. Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them, stirring to coat.

3. Cover and cook on high for about 1 hour or on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to re-coat the meatballs.

4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 8 people
• Prep Time: ~5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2–3 hours (low) or about 1 hour (high)

Variations

• Add heat: Stir in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne for spicy BBQ meatballs.
• Serve differently: Spoon meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, or cooked pasta.
• Different sauce twist: Substitute half the BBQ sauce with teriyaki or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or return the meatballs to the crockpot on low until warmed through. You can also freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What type of meatballs should I use?

Use fully cooked frozen meatballs—beef, turkey, or chicken all work fine. No need to cook them before adding to the crockpot.

Can I make this healthier?

Yes! Choose lean turkey meatballs and a lower-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce calories and sugar.

Do I have to use grape jelly?

Grape jelly adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce, but you can substitute other jelly flavors like apricot or apple.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?

Use a tangier BBQ sauce or add a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to balance the sweetness.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients; just make sure your crockpot is large enough and adjust cooking time if needed.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They’re great as an appetizer with toothpicks or served with rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies for a full meal.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes — use the sauté function to warm sauce, then pressure cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes.

Are these suitable for parties?

Absolutely! They’re easy to keep warm in a crockpot and perfect for serving guests.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit of the sauce on the stovetop before adding to the crockpot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.

Can I add vegetables?

You can add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or onions for more texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a sweet, savory, and effortless recipe that’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or game-day appetizers. With simple ingredients and set-and-forget crockpot cooking, they’re an easy way to satisfy a crowd without fuss.