Slow Cooker Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Meatballs are perfect for holidays, parties or game-day. Simple crockpot meatballs slathered in a slightly sweet bbq sauce for a flavorful dinner or appetizer.
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Table of Contents
CROCKPOT JELLY MEATBALLS
Meatballs are always a favorite at my house. These crockpot meatballs are great for parties and holidays because you can prep them ahead and just let the slow cooker do its job while you focus on other things.
The sauce on these is a combination of bbq and blueberry jam. Feel free to use your favorite jam flavor, grape jelly bbq sauce is always a hit!
INGREDIENT OPTIONS:
- Pork rind breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs. Using the pork rind breadcrumbs would be a gluten free option.
- Use all beef or all pork in this recipe if desired.
- For a different flavor, try a different preserve or jam in place of the blueberry preserves. Raspberry, grape or even jalapeño jam for a spicy version.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
DO YOU HAVE TO BROWN MEATBALLS BEFORE SLOW COOKING?
It is not absolutely necessary, but it does seal in the juices and help the meatballs to retain their shape. Unseared meatballs are more likely to fall apart in the crockpot. Skip the searing step if preferred.
MORE FAVORITE APPETIZER RECIPES:
CROCKPOT LITTLE SMOKIES – CHARCUTERIE WREATH – BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP – DILL PICKLE CHEESE BALL
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SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS
Equipment
- Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Stainless Steel" class="wprm-recipe-equipment-link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ Cup Blueberry Preserves
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 3 Tbsp BBQ Seasoning optional
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ Cup Yellow Onion diced
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Traditional Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Green Onion for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and the blueberry preserves and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, BBQ seasoning, parmesan cheese, diced onion, egg, milk and breadcrumbs. Mix using a wooden spoon or hands.
- Roll the meatball mixture into 2.5oz balls and set aside.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Brown the meatballs on each side, about 1 minute per side. Do not cook all the way through.
- Spray a 6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the meatballs and half of the BBQ sauce mixture. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours.
- When done, remove the meatballs from the slow cooker using tongs and discard the leftover cooking liquid. Coat the meatballs with the rest of the BBQ sauce mixture and serve. Garnish with sliced green onion if desired.
Nutrition
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Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
