Crock Pot Party Meatballs

Highlighted under: Celebratory Feast Recipes

Delicious and easy to prepare, these Crock Pot Party Meatballs are perfect for any gathering or celebration.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T20:28:27.454Z

Crock Pot Party Meatballs are a staple at any gathering. The combination of tender meatballs simmered in a savory sauce makes them irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs will be the highlight of your party!

Why You'll Love These Meatballs

  • Flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly
  • Easy to make with minimal prep time
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
  • Perfectly tender meatballs every time with the slow cooker

The Perfect Party Appetizer

Crock Pot Party Meatballs are not just a dish; they are a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're hosting a birthday party, game day, or a family gathering, these meatballs are the perfect finger food. Their savory and sweet flavor profile makes them suitable for all ages, ensuring everyone will enjoy them. Plus, the slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a sumptuous sauce that coats each meatball.

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them on their own with toothpicks for easy snacking or pair them with slider buns for a heartier option. They also make a great addition to a buffet table, allowing guests to help themselves. The convenience of using a crock pot means you can prepare them in advance and focus on enjoying the party.

Meal Prepping Made Easy

One of the best things about these Crock Pot Party Meatballs is their suitability for meal prepping. With minimal effort, you can whip up a large batch that can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Simply make the meatballs and cook them in the sauce. Once cooled, divide them into portions for easy reheating during the week.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weekdays when you want a quick meal without compromising on flavor. Each serving can be paired with rice, pasta, or even a simple salad for a balanced meal. Just reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner in minutes.

Customizing Your Meatballs

While this recipe for Crock Pot Party Meatballs is fantastic as is, there’s always room for customization. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. Additionally, feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste—adding herbs like oregano or basil can give your meatballs a unique twist.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or using a spicier barbecue sauce. You can also swap out the grape jelly for other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor dimension. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so appealing!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup grape jelly
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Serve

Once cooked, stir the meatballs in the sauce and serve warm. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers after your gathering, storing them is simple. Let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

For optimal freshness, consider portioning the meatballs into meal-sized servings before freezing. This way, you can grab just what you need without having to defrost the entire batch. Keeping them in a vacuum-sealed bag can also help prevent freezer burn, ensuring your meatballs remain delicious.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your meatball experience, consider serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. A tangy mustard, a creamy ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli can add an exciting twist. You can also garnish the meatballs with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

For a fun and interactive dining experience, set up a meatball bar. Allow your guests to customize their plates with toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or pickled jalapeños. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes for a memorable gathering as everyone gets to create their perfect bite.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I serve with meatballs?

These meatballs can be served with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over rice or pasta for a main dish.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these meatballs spicy?

Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

Crock Pot Party Meatballs

Delicious and easy to prepare, these Crock Pot Party Meatballs are perfect for any gathering or celebration.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration240 minutes
Overall Time255 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Celebratory Feast Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 20 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 pound ground pork
  3. 1 cup breadcrumbs
  4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  5. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  1. 2 cups barbecue sauce
  2. 1/2 cup grape jelly
  3. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  4. 1 teaspoon onion powder

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 02

Place the meatballs in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 04

Once cooked, stir the meatballs in the sauce and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 22g