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You are going to love this grape jelly meatballs recipe! The flavors are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, making every bite delicious. This recipe is so easy because it’s made just three simple ingredients, and cooked in the crockpot. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick snack, these meatballs are the perfect choice.
“Grape jelly meatballs are the easiest appetizers you will ever make! And everyone loves them!”
-Becky
These juicy meatballs are perfect when you serve them on toothpicks, or on a platter as a grab-and-go appetizer. And if you need a meal, top rice or noodles with these yummy meatballs, or put them in a sub roll for a hearty sweet and savory sandwich.
No matter how you make them, your guests will love the flavor combinations, and you will love how effortless they are to make in the slow cooker. Having a party and need more easy appetizers? Try these no bake 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
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought frozen meatballs)- The base of the recipe, the juicy meatballs can be ground beef or ground turkey.
- 2 cups grape jelly-adds the sweetness to the meatballs, and helps them stay juicy while cooking.
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)- gives the meatballs their tangy BBQ flavor, while keeping them moist in the slow cooker.
Variations
- Appetizers: Serve with toothpicks as a bite-sized appetizer.
- Make them a Meal: Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or make them into a sub sandwich!
- Extra Spicy Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make them festive: Use seasonal flavored jellies like a cranberry jelly for a unique 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 spray non stick cooking spray on the inside of your crock pot before adding the meatballs and sauce to prevent sticking.
- Use a Scoop: If making them from scratch, use a cookie scoop to help keep them the same size and weight for even cooking.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a large crowd? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger crock pot or make in batches.
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.