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Deliciously Seasoned

December 3, 2022

Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies

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These easy crockpot meatballs and little smokies are a great appetizer recipe to feed a crowd. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or afternoon snacks, these tasty meatballs and Lilt’ smokies are slow cooked in grape jelly and barbecue sauce.

A white square plate with crockpot meatballs and little smokies.

This recipe combines two of my all-time favorite appetizers into one super appetizer that no one can get enough of. I’ve been making meatballs and Lit’l smokies as appetizers for years, but I always made them separately. One day, I realized that my recipes for them both were so similar that I could and should make a dish that combined them. Let me tell you, I was so happy I did, and my family and friends were ecstatic. This delicious mix of meatballs and Lit’l smokies is always a hit no matter where I serve them, and I serve them everywhere. They’re the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion, from potlucks to after-school noms.

Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies

This delicious mashup of meatballs and Lit’l smokies has everything we love about both recipes combined into one. It starts with frozen meatballs and Lit’l Smokies. Then, I make a delicious, sweet, and zingy sauce of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and jalapeños for a kick of extra flavor and heat. What I end up with is an appetizer that’s full of flavor, not work. It’s so easy and delicious, I’ve even been known to serve it over rice and make a super fun dinner out of it!

A close up photo of a crockpot filled with meatballs and little smokies.

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs and Lit’l Smokies

  • With meatballs and Lit’l smokies packed into one recipe, it’s the best of both appetizer worlds.
  • It’s so easy to make, and it’s the perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, game day, or a before-dinner treat.
  • Everyone loves a hearty appetizer recipe.

Tips

  • Be sure you buy pre-cooked frozen meatballs for this recipe.
  • Although this recipe has a lot of sauce, it’s still important to spray your crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Variations

  • You can use any variety of frozen meatballs for this recipe. Turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs. work well.
  • Use your favorite flavor of BBQ sauce.
  • Mix up the flavor profile of this recipe by using different jams and jellies.
  • Use chili sauce in place of BBQ sauce.
  • And, this can be made on the stovetop.
Three white plates with meatballs and little smokies on them.

What to Serve with Crockpot Meatballs and Lit’l Smokies

These are delicious on their own as appetizers or as part of a larger appetizer table. However, they’re also great with other food as part of a larger meal if you like. Some great options to make a meal of these include:

  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Bread
  • Potato salad
  • Mac and cheese
  • Baked potatoes
  • Baked beans 
  • Any of your other favorite potluck dishes
A white plate with crockpot meatballs and little smokies with a bite taken out of one of the meatballs.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different types of Jelly?

Absolutely. The grape jelly is there to add sweetness. Use different jellies to make different, but no less delicious, flavors.

How long do you heat meatballs in the crockpot?

That depends on the specific recipe, but in general, meatballs are cooked on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.

Should I thaw meatballs before putting them in the crockpot?

No. This recipe, and most crockpot meatball recipes, are made with unthawed meatballs in mind.

How long will leftover meatballs last in the fridge?

They’ll last for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze crockpot meatballs and little smokies?

You sure can. This recipe freezes very well and will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store these meatballs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a saucepan on the stove top, cover, and heat over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also place them in your crockpot on high until heated through or simply heat them up in the microwave.

A crockpot filled with meatballs and little smokies.

Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies Ingredients

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious recipe. You’ll find all of them at your local grocery store.

  • Frozen meatballs
  • Li’l smokies
  • Grape jelly
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Jalapeño pepper

How to Make Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies

Making this recipe is ridiculously easy. It only takes a couple of steps. That’s it!

Step 1: Add Ingredients

Spray a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Then, add all the ingredients and stir.

Step 2: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Enjoy!

A double collage photo of meatballs and little smokies.

Try These Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies Today

You won’t find an easier, more delicious recipe than this one, you guys! 5 ingredients and 2 steps? I mean, the only thing easier would be buying the same thing at the grocery store. Give this one a try, and I know you’ll fall in love with the flavor and the TOTAL lack of work on your part. These crockpot meatballs and Lil Smokies are the best combination of flavor and ease you’ll ever try!

A three collage photo of crockpot meatballs and little smokies.

More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll  Enjoy

Meatballs and Marinara – Tender, moist and delicious homemade meatballs along with a homemade marinara sauce for a classic combination in Italian cuisine. Great for meatball sandwiches, for spaghetti or as an appetizer.

Jalapeño Cheese Bites – These delicious cheese bites are loaded with flavor and are the perfect appetizer recipe for game day, family gatherings or a midday snack. Crunchy on the outside, ooey, gooey, cheesy on the inside.

Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket – Two classic appetizers in one delicious recipe: Jalapeño Poppers and Pigs in a Blanket. An absolutely delicious treat that is requested often.

And, here are some delicious Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, from Great Grub, Delicious Treats, that you will enjoy as well.

Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies

This super easy crockpot recipe combines two classic favorites into one delicious appetizer everyone will enjoy. Only a few simple ingredients is all it takes.
2.94 from 33 votes
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crock Pot Meatballs and Little Smokies, Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Author: Deliciously Seasoned

Ingredients

  • 14 ounce frozen meatballs
  • 14 ounce little smokies
  • 18 ounce grape jelly
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 jalapeno, stem, seeds removed, diced

Instructions

  • Spray a 6 quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Add all ingredients into the crockpot.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards on Pinterest. Also, you can follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Remember to “like” or “follow” us on all social media.

A close up photo of meatballs and lit'l smokies on a white plate.
A crockpot filled with meatballs and lit'l smokies.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenn says

    December 27, 2022 at 10:30 am

    they are delicious thank you so much

    • deliciouslyseasoned says

      January 03, 2023 at 8:57 am

      Hi Jenn, we are so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

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Hi and welcome to Deliciously Seasoned! We are Halie and Nikki, the faces behind Deliciously Seasoned, along with our mom, Terri, owner of Great Grub, Delicious Treats. We have been working full time with our mom and wanted to start another food blog. We are so happy you have stopped by and hope you enjoy all of our recipes.

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Hi and welcome to Deliciously Seasoned! We are Halie and Nikki, the faces behind Deliciously Seasoned, along with our mom, Terri, owner of Great Grub, Delicious Treats. We have been working full time with our mom and wanted to start another food blog. We are so happy you have stopped by and hope you enjoy all of our recipes.

More about us →

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Join Deliciously Seasoned and get great recipes in your inbox!

Latest

  • Cheesy Onion Rings
  • Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
  • Crescent Roll Breakfast with Bacon, Egg and Cheese
  • A title over a bowl of pasta with a bite being held up.
    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers with Pasta

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