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Crockpot cooking has revolutionized the way we approach meal preparation, offering a convenient method of crafting flavorful dishes with minimal effort. For those who are busy juggling work, family, and personal commitments, the crockpot provides an invaluable solution: simply set it and forget it. As the ingredients simmer away, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in dishes that are rich, hearty, and often better than their stovetop counterparts. Among the myriad of recipes one can create in a crockpot, Sweet & Savory Crockpot Meatballs stand out as a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, planning a festive gathering, or simply looking for a satisfying meal, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Sweet and Savory Crockpot Meatballs

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser with these Sweet & Savory Crockpot Meatballs! Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines ground beef or turkey with a flavorful mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and fresh herbs. The star of the show is the unique sauce created from barbecue sauce and grape jelly, delivering a delightful sweet and savory taste. Easy to prepare and versatile for any occasion, these meatballs will impress your family and friends with every bite.

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

1/2 cup grape jelly

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Using your hands or a fork, mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.

    Form the Meatballs: Take approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been shaped into meatballs, which should amount to around 20-24 meatballs, depending on your exact measurements.

      Set Up the Crockpot: Lightly spray the interior of your crockpot with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.

        Make the Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, creating a delicious sweet and savory glaze to coat the meatballs.

          Cook the Meatballs: Pour the BBQ glaze generously over the meatballs in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and aromatic.

            Garnish and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, gently transfer the meatballs onto a serving platter using a slotted spoon. Drizzle some of the crockpot sauce over the meatballs and garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and flavor.

              Enjoy: These delightful meatballs can be served as an appetizer, alongside your favorite side dish, or as a part of a hearty meal complemented with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 4-5 hours | Serves 4-6