Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish, you’re going to love these Crockpot Orange Marmalade Meatballs! They’re sweet, tangy, and just a little sticky—in the best way possible. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day snacks. Plus, they cook right in the slow cooker, which means less stress for you. My kids adore these, and honestly, they disappear faster than I can serve them. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (any brand you love)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Tools:
- A crockpot/slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Pro Tips
- Use frozen meatballs to save time: No need to defrost—just toss them straight into the crockpot!
- Double the sauce if needed: If you like your meatballs extra saucy (or if you’re serving over rice or noodles), feel free to make a little extra.
- Let the sauce thicken: For the best sticky glaze, keep the lid off during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with toothpicks: Kids (and adults!) love eating these as bite-sized snacks.
- Adjust spice level: Skip the chili flakes if your family prefers sweet over spicy.
Tools Required
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Meatballs: Swap beef meatballs for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- BBQ Sauce: Use honey BBQ or spicy BBQ for a flavor twist.
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos work as a gluten-free substitute.
- Orange Marmalade: Apricot or peach preserves can work if you’re out of marmalade.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pour it over the meatballs in the crockpot!
- Meatballs can stay warm in the crockpot for up to 2 hours on the “keep warm” setting—perfect for parties.
Instructions
1. Add the Meatballs to the Crockpot
Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and chili flakes (if using).
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they’re all coated.
4. Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce slightly.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley, serve on a platter, or keep them in the crockpot on the “warm” setting for easy serving.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- These meatballs freeze well too! Just place them (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Sweet & Tangy Crockpot Orange Marmalade Meatballs! This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and it’s so easy to make. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below with your experience, any tweaks you made, or questions you have. Happy cooking! 😊
