Are you craving a delicious, effortless meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Crockpot Meatball recipe with a sweet and tangy grape jelly BBQ sauce is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
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For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in your slow cooker.
Preparing the Grape Jelly BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the jelly is completely melted and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
Cooking the Meatballs:
- Pour the grape jelly BBQ sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. They're also fantastic on slider buns for a fun and easy appetizer or party food.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and smoky: For a deeper smoky flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Different jelly: Experiment with other fruit jellies like cherry or apricot for a unique twist on the sauce.
- Make it ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This crockpot meatball recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the delicious results make it one of the best recipes you'll ever try. Enjoy!