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Kid-Friendly Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

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This Kid Friendly Crockpot Meatballs Recipe is such a great way to make a tasty meal! The sweetness of the grape jelly and BBQ sauce is pure perfection. It’s such a great recipe and one of my favorite ways to cook frozen meatballs. Check out my other great game day recipes!

If you’re wanting to cook meatballs, try this simple recipe! I love to use kraft barbecue sauce as the BBQ sauce of our choice for this simple appetizer recipe. It’s a delicious and easy way to fill your belly with something delicious.

coke meatballs is so you and no one will know theres coca cola in it

Since you’re able to use meatballs that are already cooked for this recipe, it’s probably going to be one of the easiest slow cooker meals that you ever make! A simple appetizer!

Kid Friendly Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

I’m all about easy dinner recipes. And since this recipe is just about me adding meatballs. to my crockpot and mixing in the sauce ingredients, this is a foolproof dish that I’ll be happy to make over and over again.

My boys LOVE these meatballs and ask for them all the time. I tend to spoil them a lot by making this dish over and over again but when something is delicious, why change it?

kid friendly meatball recipe

Besides BBQ sauce, what other ingredients are common in meatballs?

The great thing about meatball recipes is that you can literally make them in so many different ways. Some people make meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce, tomato sauce, or even Worcestershire sauce.

Specialty Ingredients:

The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store.  I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.

Reminder, not all ingredients in the Coca Cola Meatball Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for

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Must Have Resources:

When making Grape Jelly Meatballs at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count (Pack of 2), 12 TotalHeavy Duty Non Scratch Scouring Pads and Pot Scrubbers (2PCs) - Mesh Dish Cloth, Durable Netted Dish Scrubbers - No Odor Dishwashing, Pan Cleaner, Netted Dish Cloth, Scouring Cloth - Korea Made

 

Make it a Meal:

The great thing about meal planning is that it’s a simple way to get ahead for the week. I’ve been meal planning for years and love how fast and easy it is! If you’re ready to give meal planning a try, see below a simple example of how it can easily be done.

Vegetable Side: Frozen Asparagus Recipes

Starch Side: Hearty Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Refreshing Drink: Homemade Iced Tea Recipes

Don’t forget Dessert: Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

grape jelly meatballs

Best Meatball Recipes:

Once you make this Coke Meatballs Recipe, it’s time to find out all the other types of homemade meatball recipes there are. Baked meatballs are always a great choice for a simple dinner or a delicious appetizer as well. Pair up some sweet and sour

Don’t miss out on this Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe. Such great flavor!

I love this super simple Busy Day BBQ (Barbeque) Meatballs Recipe.

Make up these Cheesy Meatball Bites asap!

This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatball recipe is such a simple way to eat dinner fast!

Fill up your bowl with this Pasta Spinach Meatball soup recipe.

Like cheese? Then, you (like my husband) are going to love this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs recipe!

I think you’re going to enjoy this fun Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Movie Night Ideas for the family. Just pair up with one of the meatball recipes above!

Add in this Bacon Cheddar Meatballs Recipe as well!

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kraft barbecue meatballs recipe for a meal or snack

Can you use ground turkey to make meatballs?

You can. If you’re making the meatballs from scratch, you can use other types of ground meat to make them. Just make certain that you roll them pretty tightly as you add them to your baking sheet.

Why are my meatballs dry?

Understanding why meatballs can turn out dry is an issue that many home cooks face. The most likely cause of this problem is the combination of ingredients used in the recipe.

Meatballs are typically made with ground beef, and if it is too lean, then there might not be enough fat content to ensure a moist and tender texture.

Additionally, if the wrong type of bread crumbs is chosen (i.e., dry crumbs such as Panko as opposed to fresh bread), then the moisture levels will suffer even more.

Lastly, if the mixture is overworked or overly compacted when forming the balls, then a dry product may result, given that squeezing out any juices present would be unavoidable.

Once all these factors have been identified and addressed accordingly, producing crisp-exterior yet moist-interior meatballs should be achievable!

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Can I prep meatballs a day before cooking them?

Yes, it is possible to prepare meatballs a day before cooking them. This can be achieved by gently shaping the meat mixture into balls and then placing them on a baking tray before refrigerating overnight.

To avoid the risk of contamination, it is important to ensure that meatballs are cooked thoroughly, so check with a food thermometer that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F before serving.

Doing this will eliminate any potential microbial hazards from the dish and ensure its safety for consumption.

Furthermore, prepping in advance can help to save time when it comes to making dinner or entertaining guests; the cook only needs to ensure the oven is preheated and the prepared meatballs are heated through before they are ready to serve.

Can I freeze cooked meatballs?

Frozen-cooked meatballs are a convenient way to store and reheat food. With the correct technique, cooked meatballs can be frozen with minimal impact on their texture and flavor.

If meatballs have been cooked in sauce or gravy, freeze them separately in an airtight container. Otherwise, place them on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until they are solid before transferring them to an airtight container of choice.

Be sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can lead to sticking; also, try to finish off any remaining liquid from simmering before freezing.

To further reduce potential problems related to texture, consider adding a small amount of cooking oil when reheating after defrosting for optimal results.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count (Pack of 2), 12 TotalHeavy Duty Non Scratch Scouring Pads and Pot Scrubbers (2PCs) - Mesh Dish Cloth, Durable Netted Dish Scrubbers - No Odor Dishwashing, Pan Cleaner, Netted Dish Cloth, Scouring Cloth - Korea Made

 

What do meatballs pair well with?

It is well known that meatballs pair excellently with various dishes. Popular choices include the classic combination of spaghetti and meatballs, as well as hearty soups or stews.

Rice and potatoes are also common opposite ingredients to serve alongside a flavorful plate of freshly cooked meatballs.

Depending on the type of seasoning and spices used in the original preparation of the meatball dish, some lightly sautéed vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini can bring out their delicious flavors even further.

In terms of condiments, many cultures enjoy indulging in sweeter sauces such as barbecue or honey garlic to top off their meal – adding an ultimately satisfying touch to any classic Italian-style recipe!

What are fun ways to serve this simple party appetizer? 

The best part about making family favorites like this is that they’re super great for sharing. Juicy meatballs are perfect for your next party, and are sure to be a big hit. This great appetizer makes tender meatballs that are always a crowd favorite. 

Not only are these crock pot meatballs delicious to eat, but they’re the perfect size for everyone to enjoy a plate full of their own meatballs at the party. Don’t forget to set out some yummy toppings like red pepper flakes, soy sauce, or parmesan cheese to pair with these homemade meatballs. As this easy recipe proves, slow cooker recipes don’t have to be hard to make! 

Just follow the directions and simple ingredients on the recipe card listed below and everyone will be chowing down on these easy crockpot meatballs! 

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More BBQ Sauce Recipes:

crockpot meatballs recipe

Kid Friendly Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Kelli Miller
Don't miss out on this slow cooker meatball recipe!

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds frozen fully-cooked meatballs (we prefer Italian-Style)
  • 1 Cup(s) Hickory Smoke Barbecue Sauce we love Kraft brand
  • 1 Cup(s) Sweet Honey Barbecue we love Kraft brand
  • 1/2 Cup(s) grape jelly I am a Bama grape jelly kinda girl
  • 1/4 Cup(s) Coke

Instructions
 

  • Add frozen meatballs to your Crockpot, on low.
    Mix the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Stirring until fully combined.
    Pour mixture over meatballs in crockpot.
    Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Which type of BBQ sauce are you going to use for this slow cooker meatball recipe?

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