Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
slow cooker bbq cocktail meatballs - featured image

Game Day Slow Cooker BBQ Cocktail Meatballs

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes to 6 hours 7 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Easy and crowd-pleasing slow cooker BBQ cocktail meatballs perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Made with frozen meatballs and a tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, this recipe is hands-off and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds frozen cocktail meatballs (beef, pork, or mix)
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup grape jelly
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper until smooth and glossy.
  2. Place frozen cocktail meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
  4. Stir gently once or twice during cooking if possible. If sauce is too thin at the end, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  5. Give everything a final stir to coat meatballs in sauce. Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not skip the grape jelly as it adds sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce. Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for best results to avoid them falling apart. Stir gently to keep meatballs intact. Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker. Sauce can be thickened by cooking uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes at the end. Leftovers reheat well on stovetop with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-6 hours
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ meatballs, cocktail meatballs, game day recipe, easy appetizer, party food, busy weeknight dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://plateku.com/game-day-slow-cooker-bbq-cocktail-meatballs-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/