Easy Meatball appetizer recipe made with an incredible 3 ingredient sauce that everyone raves about! Combine frozen meatballs & Lil Smokies in this simple & delicious appetizer recipe perfect for parties.
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Easy Meatball appetizer recipe that’s simple & delicious appetizer recipes perfect for parties. Use frozen meatballs and store-bought Lil smokies for a tasty snack that everyone loves!
This meatball appetizer recipe is probably one of the simplest appetizers out there and it’s such a crowd pleaser. I’ve tasted many versions, but my meatball sauce recipe is THE BEST! It’s got a great smoky, sweet flavor, unlike other meatball appetizer sauces that end up just tasting like bbq sauce.
How to make this easy meatball appetizer recipe
This delicious meatball and Lil Smokies appetizer is so easy to make! All you need is some Lil Smokies and meatballs (I just use store-bought frozen meatballs, but you’re welcome to make your own), barbecue sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly. I use the Kraft Thick and Spicy Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, but again, you’re welcome to use whatever type of barbecue sauce you’d like.
Grab your sauces and add them all in a saucepan and whisk it until well combined. Turn the heat up to medium and put the lid on the pan. Let it warm up for about 5 to 8 minutes and then whisk it again until the sauce is smooth and hot. Add the meatballs and Lil Smokies into the saucepan, turn the heat down to a medium-low. Put the lid back on the pan and let it cook for 30 minutes. It’s so nice to take a break and just let the amazing smell fill your kitchen!
This meatball appetizer recipe can easily be made in the crockpot! Just throw everything in, put the lid on and let this tasty treat cook on low for just 2-3 hours.
Serve with a side of big, manly-men watching football. {ok, ladies, you can have these too. I love them! I even like me a little football too. Probably not for the same reasons my hubby likes it, but who really cares?!}
Meatball Sauce with Grape Jelly
We make this meatball appetizers with a simple 3 ingredient sauce that tastes amazing! Yes, it calls for grape jelly. I know, I know, you likely haven’t eaten grape jelly since you were about 5, but trust me on this one! The grape jelly adds a sweet tanginess that when combined with the bbq sauce and chili sauce, it is out of this world delicious. Try it!
Lil Smokies & Meatballs Appetizer recipe ingredients
- 1 14-oz package Lil Smokies
- 25 meatballs (one 14-oz bag frozen meatballs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce {I used Kraft Thick & Spicy Brown Sugar}
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup Grape Jelly
Directions on how to make meatball appetizer recipe
- Combine sauces and jelly in a saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Turn heat on medium and put the lid on the pot. After about 5-8 minutes, once the sauce has heated up a bit, whisk again until smooth.
- Add meatballs and Lil Smokies. Turn heat down to medium-low, replace lid and cook for about 30 minutes.
- You can also cook these in the crockpot: Add all ingredients and cook on medium 3-4 hours. (*Really, the meat is already cooked in both instances. You’re looking to defrost and heat the meatballs and help the flavors of the sauce meld.)
- Serve with a side of big, manly-men watching foot ball. {ok, ladies, you can have these too. I love them! I even like me a little football too. Probably not for the same reasons my hubby likes it, but who really cares?!}
Lil' Smokies & Meatball Appetizer recipe
Ingredients
- 1 14- oz package Lil Smokies
- 25 meatballs one 14-oz package frozen meatballs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup Grape Jelly
Instructions
- Combine sauces and jelly in a saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Turn heat on medium and put the lid on the pot. After about 5-8 minutes, once the sauce has heated up a bit, whisk again until smooth.
- Add meatballs and Lil Smokies. Turn heat down to medium-low, replace lid and cook for about 30 minutes.
- You can also cook these in the crockpot: Add all ingredients and cook on medium 2-3 hours. (*Really, the meat is already cooked in both instances. You're looking to defrost and heat the meatballs and help the flavors of the sauce meld.)
- Serve in the crock pot on warm, or transfer to a ceramic or porcelain bowl.Place appetizer forks or toothpicks nearby for easy snacking!
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How to keep Meatball & Lil Smokies appetizers warm
I serve these game day meatballs and smokies in a ceramic or porcelain bowl. Ceramic and porcelain retain heat well, so if you serve the meatballs and smokies hot, they’ll stay warm for around 30 minutes, which is usually more than enough time since they tend to get eaten quickly!
And of course if you cook them in the crockpot you can turn it on low or warm and serve it from in the crockpot.
What is the best brand of frozen meatballs?
My favorite brand of frozen meatballs is Kirkland, from Costco and Armor meatballs. I prefer to use the Italian style meatballs for this recipe, but I’ve also used the homestyle variety and enjoy both! The homestyle variety do seem to be smaller meatballs. I have tried two different off-brand varieties of frozen meatballs and our family didn’t care for either of them, so I only buy either Kirkland, if I’m at Costco or Armor meatballs.
Aimee says
Mmmm these look so delicious. I always love little smokies and meatballs cooked like this, but haven't made them for my self yet. In your recipe you said cocktail sauce, but your picture shows chili sauce. Are those the same thing?<br /><br />
Nicole says
Are Chili sauce and cocktail sauce the same thing?
Nicole says
I only ask because you have cocktail sauce listed in the ingredients, but then show a picture of chili sauce. So I'm confused . . . It looks delish though!
ShaWanda Mclemore says
They are not the same
Jessica Williams- UDD, Butter with a Side of Bread says
oops! LOL- I apologize- you use CHILI sauce, not cocktail sauce! They are not the same thing! I fixed it! THANK YOU!!
Wendy says
Absolutely delicious! Will be making this to munch on for Academy Award Night!<br />
Sue Boyer says
I know this is good because my daughter in law makes her meatballs like this. Pinned it. Thank you for sharing.<br /><br />We may have met by chance…but we become friends by choice.<br />http://simpleesue.com/honduras-missions-making-things-last
Elizabeth Holler says
Trying this recipe for the first time tonight !
Paula says
I make this exact recipe except mine calls for jellied cranberry sauce instead of grape jelly. It adds a bit of tartness.
Lori Madden says
can you add frozen meatballs to the crockpot with the smokies??
Jessica Williams says
Yes, you can! 🙂
Anne Dvorak says
I want to make this for our Superbowl party, but most other recipes online call for either chili sauce OR bbq sauce, but not both. Has anyone tried with both and tried with only one? I can't decide which way to go…
Dawn Cleeton says
I have always made these meatballs with only chili sauce and the grape jelly. I have seen where a different jelly was used. I have some spicy habinaro strawberry jelly and was wondering if that would be good instead of the grape!
Chevone A says
is this a spicy recipe?
Jessica says
Nope, it’s not spicy at all.
Nancy says
My go to recipe is similar. I use blackberry jam & a couple of spoons of yellow mustard. Today I’m trying this recipe. Ummm, yummy! Merry Christmas everyone!
Jessica says
Adding mustard sounds SO GOOD- I’m going to try that! Thank you… and glad you liked it!
Michael Spencer says
Can I use just the bbq and chili sauce for this?
Jessica says
You can, but trust me, the flavor with all 3 ingredients is exceptional!
Rob says
What amount of time if cooking in an Instant Pot?
Pete says
Not very clear what is meant by chili sauce. I made it with Huey Fong Chili Garlic Sauce and Sriracha chili sauce. Can’t say I was very pleased with that. I came back here and just now see your photo–looks like it’s a taco sauce.
Jessica says
Nope- it really is just Chili Sauce. https://ship.smithsfoodanddrug.com/p/011110669469/kroger-chili-sauce-12-oz?cid=shp_adw_0000.ship.Smith%27s+Ship+-+Condiment+%26+Toppings&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvPjBRDPARIsAJfZz0pCwFE81C8aUZ6j9PzWJLM7vg0CrlsmFknqCdbZDdcOMi7fCpBf7iEaArUOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Brandon Lewis says
Loved this wander if I can make it with Strawberry
Jessica says
Great idea Brandon!
Rochester Sushi says
Such great flavor!!
Alison says
Thanks Rochester!
Robert Boutiere says
Have made this a couple of times. But not with the chili sauce. Great idea! Once i used ‘Italian Style’ meatballs and they just were not right. Now i stick with ‘country style’ meatballs. I add some onion flakes, pepper seed, and honey. Going to try tomorrow some big pieces of bell pepper for flavor and (not a fan), but a tiny bit of mustard. I think grape jam might mix easier than the jelly, IMHO. One family member is diabetic, so will have some frozen appetizers in the oven. Perfect meal for a challenged ‘cook’. elroboto
Alison says
Glad this one works for you Robert!