Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for seconds? Look no further than these irresistible Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies! This simple yet delectable dish combines the savory goodness of frozen meatballs and smoky sausages, all enveloped in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce mixed with grape jelly. Perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings, this recipe is not just easy to prepare, but it also delivers bold flavors that will leave your guests raving. Get ready to impress with minimal effort—let's dive into how to whip up this mouthwatering treat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound little smokies
- 1 jar (12 oz) barbecue sauce
- 1 jar (12 oz) grape jelly
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly spraying the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire jar of barbecue sauce (12 oz) with the grape jelly (12 oz). Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the frozen meatballs and little smokies directly into the crockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour the barbecue and grape jelly sauce mixture over the meatballs and little smokies, making sure to coat all the meat pieces completely.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook for 4 hours, stirring gently once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating and heating.
- After 4 hours, check that the meatballs and little smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs and little smokies to a serving dish, or keep warm in the crockpot for serving.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality barbecue sauce and grape jelly. These ingredients are the stars of the dish, so choose ones that you love!
- Don’t Thaw the Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs keeps the cooking time consistent and ensures they stay juicy. Just toss them straight into the crockpot!
- Stir Occasionally: While it’s not necessary to stir frequently, giving the mixture a gentle stir once or twice during cooking helps to ensure that all the meatballs and little smokies are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve with Style: For a fun presentation, serve the meatballs and little smokies in the crockpot itself, keeping them warm for guests to help themselves. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of grape jelly according to your taste. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
