Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot

Frozen meatballs in the crockpot are one of the easiest appetizers you can make. Guests love the zippy flavor of grape jelly, bbq sauce, and horseradish simmered together. A must-try kid-favorite!

This 4-ingredient meatball recipe is great for birthday parties, slumber parties, barbeques, potlucks and more! It is quick, simple and delicious.

For more easy appetizers, check out our Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, Crab Artichoke Dip and Fruit Salad With Watermelon. All gluten-free!

Crockpot Meatballs

We can honestly say there is nothing challenging about these frozen meatballs. Simply dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker and leave to simmer.

Making one of the best crockpot appetizers, these bbq meatballs also make a great dinner option. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, gluten-free pasta or your favorite side dish.

In addition to grape jelly meatballs, No Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese, Crockpot Chicken Legs, Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Pulled Pork Sliders make great appetizers for any occasion. You can bet on at least a few of these recipes featured for Superbowl this year!

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

Equipment

Ingredients

22 ounces frozen meatballs ✅
1 cup grape jelly ✅
1 cup bbq sauce ✅
1 tablespoon horseradish ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

jelly and barbeque sauce added to crockpot with meatballs

How To Make

Add the meatballs to the crockpot. Add the jelly, bbq sauce, and horseradish. Stir well then place the lid on the crockpot.

Cook

Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-4 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store leftovers?

Place leftover meatballs into a container and let cool before placing on the lid and storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to reheat?

To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments until hot, stirring as needed.

What to do if the sauce dries out?

If planning to keep the meatballs in the slow cooker for an extended period of time such as for an event or party, you may need to add 1-2 Tablespoons of water after a few hours if the sauce seems like it is drying out.

What to serve with meatballs?

Pick any appetizer such as Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Gluten Free Salmon Cakes or Dairy Free Deviled Eggs. Serve as the main entree paired with Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes, Mashed Potato Bites, Roasted Frozen Vegetables, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots or Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes.

What bbq sauce to use?

We typically use Sweet Baby Ray’s; however, any gluten-free variety will work. From vinegar-based to mustard-based, find a bottle that you prefer.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Use a large slow cooker for a full recipe or half the recipe and use a mini crock pot.
Serve extra sauce for meatballs on the side in case someone wants more for dipping.
Turkey or beef frozen meatballs can be used in this recipe.
You do not need to thaw the meatballs for this recipe.

More Recipes with Meatballs

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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