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These Grape Jelly Meatballs are sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make with just three simple ingredients. Cooked in the slow cooker, they’re the perfect appetizer for game day, holiday parties, and family gatherings, and they’re always one of the first dishes to disappear.
“Grape jelly meatballs are the easiest appetizers you will ever make! And everyone loves them!”
-Becky
Serve these juicy meatballs with toothpicks for an easy grab-and-go appetizer, or spoon them over rice or noodles for a quick dinner. You can even pile them onto toasted sub rolls for a hearty sweet and savory sandwich.
No matter how you serve them, these slow cooker grape jelly meatballs are always a crowd favorite. If you’re planning a party, be sure to try these Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers, simple Fruit Skewers with 2 Ingredient Fruit Dip, or these classic Rice Krispie Treats.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Frozen Meatballs: Use your favorite store-bought frozen meatballs or homemade meatballs. Beef, turkey, or even chicken meatballs all work well in this recipe.
- Grape Jelly:Adds the perfect touch of sweetness while creating the signature sticky glaze that coats every meatball.
- BBQ Sauce: Balances the sweetness of the jelly with a smoky, tangy flavor. Use your favorite brand to customize the taste.
For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Serve as an Appetizer: Add toothpicks and serve the meatballs as an easy bite-sized appetizer for parties or game day.
- Make Them a Meal: Serve over steamed rice or mashed potatoes, or pile them into sub rolls for a hearty sandwich.
- Add Some Heat: Stir in hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make Them Festive: Swap the grape jelly for cranberry jelly or another seasonal flavor for a fun holiday twist.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs in Crockpot
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crock pot. Pour the BBQ sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs, then stir everything together until the meatballs are coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
- Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened, they’re ready to serve.
- Keep them on the “warm” setting for parties.
Ingredients to Make Homemade Meatballs
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Homemade Meatballs
Step 1: If making meatballs from scratch, combine ingredients a large mixing bowl. Stir together until combined, be careful you don’t overmix. Once combine, scoop into one inch balls. Roll into shape if necessary.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the meatballs to the heated skillet, and sear the outsides of the meatballs. You don’t need to cook all the way through, just brown the outsides of the meatballs. (This will help them hold their shape while in the slow cooker.)
Step 3: Once they are all seared, continue with the above recipe directions.
Expert Tips
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before adding the meatballs and sauce for easier cleanup.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: If making homemade meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker, making sure not to overfill it.
- Keep Warm for Parties: Once the meatballs are heated through, switch the slow cooker to the Warm setting so they stay hot throughout your party without overcooking.
Grape Jelly Meatballs FAQ’s
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm in the microwave or return to the crock pot on low until heated through.
Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens. Use an instant read meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Internal temperature of meatballs should be 160 degrees F.
Definitely! You can cook the meatballs and sauce, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Reheat in the crock pot or on the stovetop before serving.
Yes, you can use plant-based or vegetarian meatballs instead of traditional ones.
No, you don’t need to thaw them first. You can place them in the slow cooker frozen, and they will cook while in the sauce.
More Appetizer Recipes
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If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Grape Jelly
- 2 cups BBQ Sauce
- 32 ounces Frozen Meatballs, or two pounds ground beef
Instructions
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then add the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir the ingredients together, coating the meatballs.
- Place the cover on the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
- Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened, they’re ready to serve. Keep them on the “warm” setting for parties.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are so good and easy to make, just put the ingredients in the slow cooker, let them cook and simmer and you have something to enjoy as an appetizer, meal or dinner. Thanks for sharing.