This is the easiest dish you will ever make to entertain a crowd, and that’s a promise. I always find myself making these meatballs for holiday parties and football games. That’s because it’s generally crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly (hello, only 3 ingredients!), and takes no more than 15 minutes total.
Not to mention a locking slow cooker makes travel easier, and I don’t have to worry a minute about keeping the dish warm. Everyone goes wild for these meatballs — they’re always the first dish to run out!
A few ways to make this dish even easier for you (Recipe Notes):
Sometimes I like to prep the meatballs in the oven. This gives me more time to get ready by removing some hand-on prep time, and the oven gives the meatballs a really yummy roasted flavor. Just throw the meatballs on a sheet tray and come back in 10.
Another way to make this dish is to combine everything in a slow cooker and set it for longer before serving. Skipping the stove-top/oven gives you the most freedom and the least dishes, all you need to do is plan for it a bit more in advance – no big deal!
You may have heard of this dish before, with the use of grape jelly. Yuck. No, I’m just kidding, I’m not here to yuck your yum, but what I am here to do is suggest a new way. Queue the apricot preserves. Holy yum. It adds a slightly, dare I say, sophisticated flavor. I’ve had them both ways, and I prefer this version tenfold.
Swedish meatballs are the way to go. They have a really nice flavor that lends itself well to the apricot preserves. If you can’t find them, or prefer Italian, no worries. I like the mini size for a more appetizer friendly, bite-size dish. However, feel free to do what you like best.
This recipe makes a ton of sauce. I prefer these meatballs saucy, but you could probably add 1/3 more meatballs in the sauce that will be made. Up to you!
3 Ingredient Appetizer Meatballs
INGREDIENTS
- 3 lbs frozen Swedish meatballs
- 40 oz BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays)
- 12 oz apricot preserves
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a Dutch oven, combine meatballs, bbq sauce, apricot preserves, and cook over high heat. Stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer meatball and sauce into a crockpot and set to keep warm as long as needed. Serve with toothpicks. Enjoy!
Other Easy Appetizers:
Easy Last-Minute Appetizers: Popcorn, Candied Nuts, Marinated Olives
