Description
These Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from apple jelly, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, enhanced with garlic powder and seasonings. Ready in just a few hours with minimal prep, this recipe offers a flavorful combination of savory and sweet that guests will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen meatballs (about 50 meatballs)
Sauce
- 1 cup apple jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a crockpot, combine apple jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot and stir gently to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce mixture, ensuring full coverage for consistent flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be heated thoroughly, and the sauce should become bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs for a touch of color and added freshness, if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the warm meatballs and sauce onto a serving dish and enjoy as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen meatballs with homemade or fresh meatballs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- These meatballs can be kept warm on the crockpot’s low setting for up to 2 hours after cooking without overcooking.
- They make a great party appetizer and can be served with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American