Lazy Man'S Meat Balls
A flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring tender meatballs coated in smoky barbecue sauce and grape jelly, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. cooked meatballs ⓘ
- 1 jar barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Mix barbecue sauce and grape jelly in a crock-pot.
- Add cooked meatballs to the mixture.
- Cover and cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over rice with sauce for a main dish.
- Or serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture for extra flavor. If you don’t have grape jelly, apricot preserves can work as a substitute. You can also use frozen meatballs to save time; just ensure they are fully cooked before serving. This recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for ingredient substitutions based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs can be served over a bed of rice for a hearty main dish, or as finger food with toothpicks for a fun appetizer. Pair them with a refreshing Juicy Fruit Salad or some crunchy Jelled Cucumber - Cabbage Salad to balance the richness of the sauce. They also make a great addition to game day spreads or potluck gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, checking every minute to ensure they heat evenly without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Man'S Meat Balls contains roughly 572 calories, with 45g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2266mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball and sauce mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat in the crock-pot or on the stovetop before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even tastier.
What type of meatballs should I use?
You can use any cooked meatballs, whether they are beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options. If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before serving. Homemade meatballs can also be a great choice for a personal touch.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a saucepan or microwave, adding a little extra sauce to keep them moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).