Zesty Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies Recipe for Game Day

Savory and irresistible, these crockpot meatballs and little smokies dance with flavor in a slow cooker symphony.

The classic party appetizer brings comfort and joy to any gathering.

Tender meatballs blend perfectly with smoky sausages, creating a mouthwatering combination that everyone adores.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for the cook and guests alike.

Sweet and tangy sauce coats each morsel, promising a delectable experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Bold flavors and easy preparation make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Serve these delicious bites and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

Crockpot Meatballs & Smokies Highlights

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot without complicated chopping or multiple cooking steps, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
• These meatballs and little smokies offer a classic party favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
• Using a single crockpot means fewer dishes to wash, saving you time and energy after enjoying a delicious meal together.
• Set it and forget it – the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other activities or simply relax.

Ingredients for Meatballs & Smokies

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the main structure for the meatballs.
• Little Smokies: Small sausages that add extra flavor and richness to the dish.

• Grape Jelly, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce: A classic combination that creates a sweet and tangy sauce with deep, caramelized flavors.
• Ketchup: Adds a subtle tomato base and additional sweetness to the sauce.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall savory profile of the meatballs.
• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together and maintain their shape during cooking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the meat's natural flavors.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the crockpot is non-stick and makes cleanup easier.

Tools for Crockpot Meatballs & Smokies

• Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking the meatballs and little smokies, creating a delicious, hands-off meal.
• Cooking spray: Prevents ingredients from sticking to the pot and makes cleanup easier.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.
• Knife and cutting board: Optional for any additional ingredient prep if needed.

Steps to Meatballs & Smokies

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot

Grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker and give it a quick spray with cooking spray.

This will prevent any sticky situations and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Delicious Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs
• Little smokies
• Grape jelly
• Barbecue sauce
• Chili sauce

Step 3: Mix and Blend Flavors

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir all the ingredients.

Make sure everything gets coated with that sweet and tangy sauce mixture.

Every bite should be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot with its lid and let the magic happen.

Set the temperature to low and let these savory bites simmer for 4 hours.

The slow cooking process will help the sauces caramelize and the meats become tender and juicy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, give everything a final gentle stir.

These appetizers are perfect for game day, parties, or a casual family gathering.

Serve hot!

Tips for Crockpot Meatballs & Smokies

• Generously spray the crockpot with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent ingredients from adhering to the sides.
• Use a combination of grape jelly and barbecue sauce for a perfect sweet and tangy sauce that coats the meatballs and little smokies.
• Gently stir ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even coating and prevent burning or sticking.
• After cooking, switch to warm setting to maintain temperature and keep the appetizer ready for guests during parties or gatherings.
• Prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, then simply transfer to the crockpot on the day of serving for convenience.

Variation Ideas for Meatballs & Smokies

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular BBQ sauce with gluten-free BBQ sauce and use gluten-free little smokies for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or swap traditional BBQ sauce with a spicy chipotle sauce to increase heat levels.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Substitute beef meatballs with turkey or chicken meatballs for a lower-fat protein option that maintains similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace meat-based ingredients with plant-based meatballs and vegetarian little smokies, using a tangy vegetarian BBQ sauce for similar texture and taste.

Serving Meatballs & Smokies

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these saucy meatballs and little smokies on a festive serving tray with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game day or holiday gatherings.
• Appetizer Combo: Pair with crispy garlic bread, fresh veggie sticks, or crackers to create a delicious spread that keeps guests coming back for more.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Serve over fluffy white rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to transform this appetizer into a hearty main course that satisfies big appetites.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining meatballs in the refrigerator and enjoy them the next day tucked into warm submarine rolls for a quick and tasty sandwich lunch.

Storage for Meatballs & Smokies

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Meatballs and little smokies will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and little smokies to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Frozen dishes maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Place desired portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs without thawing. Just add them directly to the crockpot with the other ingredients and adjust cooking time if needed.

• What kind of little smokies work best for this recipe?

Hillshire Farms or similar pre-cooked smoked sausage links are ideal. Choose beef or beef and pork varieties for the best flavor.

• Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the crockpot?

No, you can add the meatballs directly to the crockpot. The slow cooking process will ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the crockpot insert in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the morning.

Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker meatballs and little smokies blend savory flavors for ultimate party comfort. Tangy sauce and tender meats create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 14 ounces (396 grams) frozen meatballs
• 14 ounces (396 grams) little smokies

Sauce Ingredients:

• 18 ounces (510 grams) grape jelly
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce

Garnish:

• 1 jalapeno, diced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Layer the meatballs and little smokies evenly across the bottom of the prepared crockpot, ensuring they are distributed uniformly.
3. Pour the barbecue sauce and grape jelly over the meat, creating a complete coating that will infuse flavor during cooking.
4. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring each piece of meat is well-coated with the sweet and tangy sauce mixture.
5. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meatballs and little smokies to simmer and absorb flavors for 3-4 hours.
6. Occasionally stir the contents halfway through cooking to promote even heat distribution and prevent potential burning at the bottom.
7. Once cooking is complete, the meatballs and little smokies should be heated through, tender, and coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce.
8. Serve warm directly from the crockpot, using a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a serving dish, allowing excess sauce to drain.

Notes

• Prevent sticking by thoroughly coating the crockpot with non-stick spray before adding ingredients.
• Use a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
• Opt for low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt intake and customize the dish’s taste.
• For a gluten-free version, select gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure Little Smokies are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg