Apple Jelly Meatballs, also called buffet meatballs, are a super-easy four-ingredient recipe that’s always a party favorite. With under five minutes of prep and no stove time thanks to the slow cooker, these are ideal for gatherings or a relaxed weeknight.
The Best Buffet Meatballs
On fall weekends we often put together a casual “football feast” of easy snacks—veggies and dip, fruit with dip, cheese and crackers, buffalo chicken dip—and let everyone graze all afternoon. These apple jelly meatballs have become a staple for those get-togethers. My aunt’s version blends sweet and savory perfectly, and the slow cooker makes them effortless.
They’re tender, slightly sweet from the apple jelly, and balanced with a savory tomato base. Best of all, they require minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- Two bags (about 25 oz each) frozen meatballs — beef, turkey, or Italian
- One 18 oz jar apple jelly
- One 14 oz jar pizza sauce
- One 14 oz bottle ketchup
How to Cook Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
This recipe is extremely simple.
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir until evenly mixed. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Tip: To shorten cook time, warm the frozen meatballs in the microwave first, then cook on high in the slow cooker for about 1 hour.
The finished dish offers a hint of sweetness from the jelly alongside a rich, tomato-forward sauce — a crowd-pleasing contrast that’s great for parties or a family meal.
Serving suggestions
Serve directly from the slow cooker to keep them warm for guests, or plate and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
For a heartier meal, serve meatballs over steamed rice or pasta. For an easy dinner, place six meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and you have simple meatball subs.
If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it — feedback is always appreciated!
Crock Pot Apple Jelly Meatballs
5 from 1 review
- Author: Melissa Riker
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 20
Description
Apple Jelly Meatballs are a simple, four-ingredient slow cooker appetizer that’s perfect for parties or busy weeknights. Minimal prep and long, hands-off cooking make them reliably easy and delicious.
Ingredients
- Two bags (about 25 oz each) frozen meatballs — beef, turkey, or Italian
- One 18 oz jar apple jelly
- One 14 oz jar pizza sauce
- One 14 oz bottle ketchup
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Add the apple jelly, pizza sauce, and ketchup, then stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are hot in the center and the sauce is well blended. Alternatively, microwave the meatballs first and cook on high for about 1 hour to reduce time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 14.7 g
- Sodium: 732.1 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.9 g
- Protein: 10.7 g
- Cholesterol: 46.8 mg