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 great recipe for kids!
This frozen meatball crock pot recipe is great for birthday parties, slumber parties, barbeques, potlucks and more! It is quick, simple and delicious.
For more easy recipes check out our Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, Crab Artichoke Dip, and Rump Roast in the Crockpot. All gluten-free!
We can honestly say there is nothing challenging about these crock pot 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 this frozen meatball crock pot recipe, No Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese, Crockpot Chicken Legs, and Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes great appetizers for any occasion. You can bet on at least a few of these recipes featured for the Super Bowl this year!
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.
How To Make Frozen Meatballs In The Crockpot
Add the bag of frozen meatballs to the crockpot. Add the jelly, BBQ sauce, and horseradish. Stir well then place the lid on the crockpot.
Cook frozen meatballs on high for 1 hour or low for 2-4 hours.
Tips and Tricks
- Mix the Sauces: Before adding them to the crockpot, you can mix the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and horseradish together in a separate bowl. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed and you won’t get pockets of strong horseradish or concentrated grape jelly.
- Adjust the Ingredients: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the quantities of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and horseradish. If you like it sweeter, add more jelly. For extra tanginess and heat, increase the horseradish.
- Substitutions: Swap the sauce in this recipe for spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce and cook the frozen meatballs the same way for a totally different twist.
- Use a Liner: To make cleanup easier, consider using a slow cooker liner. It will prevent the sauce from sticking to the sides and make washing up a breeze.
- Add Some Heat: If you like your meatballs with a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
- Stir Occasionally: When cooking frozen meatballs, consider giving the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice during cooking. This will help ensure all the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve as Appetizers: These meatballs make great appetizers for parties. You can place toothpicks or small skewers next to the crockpot for easy serving.
- Garnish: When serving, you can garnish the cooked meatballs with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with Sides: Think about what you want to serve these meatballs with. They go well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even on sub rolls for sandwiches. Consider your side dishes to create a complete meal.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot can accommodate the extra meatballs and sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place leftover meatballs into a container and let cool before placing on the lid and storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments until hot, stirring as needed.
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.
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.
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.
To cook frozen meatballs in a crockpot, you should typically cook them on the low setting for 4-6 hours or on the high setting for 2-3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the meatballs, so it’s essential to check for doneness.
Yes, you can use uncooked meatballs instead of frozen ones in a crockpot. When using uncooked meatballs, you can brown them first in a skillet to develop flavor and ensure they hold their shape during slow cooking. After browning, you can transfer the meatballs to the crockpot and cook them with your preferred sauce or ingredients. Cooking times may be slightly shorter than when using frozen meatballs since you are starting with raw meat.
No, you do not have to thaw meatballs before putting them in a crockpot. However, be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time, and ensure that the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Meatballs are generally less likely to fall apart in a slow cooker compared to other cooking methods, like frying or grilling, as the slow, gentle heat helps them hold their shape. Additionally, handling the meatballs carefully when placing them in the slow cooker and stirring them gently during cooking can also minimize the risk of them breaking apart. We recommend using frozen meatballs, but you can use homemade meatballs as well.
Grape jelly is used in meatball recipes to create a sweet and tangy glaze or sauce. When combined with other ingredients like chili sauce or barbecue sauce, grape jelly adds a unique flavor profile that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness and depth.
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.
Storage Instructions
- Cool Down: Allow the crock pot frozen meatballs to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Leaving hot food in the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature and potentially spoil other items.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent any odors from escaping and affecting other foods.
- Freezing: If you won’t be eating the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option to extend their shelf life. Place the meatballs in an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Portion Control: Consider dividing the leftovers into smaller portions before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need for future meals, reducing food waste.
- Freezer Wrap: If using a plastic bag, double wrap it with aluminum foil to provide an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and odors.
- Storage Duration:
- In the refrigerator, these meatballs can typically be kept for 3-4 days.
- In the freezer, they can be stored for up to 2-3 months, but for the best quality, try to consume them within the first month.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to eat the frozen meatballs, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheat Safely: When reheating the meatballs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria. You can reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
More Recipes with Meatballs
- Gluten Free Chicken Meatballs
- Gluten Free Meatballs
- 10-Minute Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- Easy Swedish Meatballs with Frozen 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.
Crockpot Frozen Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 22 ounces frozen meatballs ✅
- 1 cup grape jelly ✅
- 1 cup bbq sauce ✅
- 1 tablespoon horseradish ✅
Instructions
- Prep the meatballs. Add the meatballs to the crockpot. Add the jelly, bbq sauce, and horseradish. Stir well then place the lid on the crockpot.22 ounces frozen meatballs, 1 cup grape jelly, 1 cup bbq sauce, 1 tablespoon horseradish
- Cook. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-4 hours.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Place leftover meatballs into a container and let cool before placing on the lid and storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.Reheating Instructions
To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments until hot, stirring as needed. 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.Nutrition
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