Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy family gathering, these Crock Pot Buffet Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Ready in just minutes of prep time, this recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a rich, tangy-sweet sauce made from barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and a dash of Worcestershire for depth. Amp up the flavor with hints of garlic and onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Let your slow cooker do the work, whether you're prepping for a buffet-style celebration or a hearty weeknight dinner. Serve these saucy meatballs straight from the crock pot with toothpicks as an appetizer, or ladle them over rice or pasta for a satisfying main dish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff, this recipe will be a hit at any table.
Plug in your crock pot and set it to low heat for slow cooking or high heat for quicker preparation (2 hours instead of 3).
Add the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the crock pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
Place the frozen meatballs directly into the crock pot. Use a large spoon to gently mix so the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and let the meatballs cook. If set to low heat, cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If set to high heat, cook for 2 hours.
Once fully heated through, check that the meatballs are hot in the center (internal temperature of 165°F if using a thermometer).
Switch the crock pot to 'warm' mode for serving. Place toothpicks nearby for guests to easily pick up meatballs, or serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and freshness if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
3969 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.8 g | 250% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.9 g | 374% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 534 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 11744 mg | 511% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 425.4 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 275.3 g | ||
| Protein | 133.4 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 629 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 3513 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.