Grape Jelly Meatballs

Name: Grape Jelly Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen meatballs; 1 cup grape jelly; ¾ cup chili sauce; ¾ cup barbeque sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Grape Jelly Meatballs only call for a handful of ingredients, a slow cooker, and 5 minutes of prep time. Yup, FIVE! You'll have a pot full of sweet and savory meatballs swimming in a thick, flavorful sauce. Get into it boos!

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Plate of grape jelly meatballs served with a jar of grape jelly in the background and a fork next to it

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Table of Contents

The Lowdown on These Grape Jelly Meatballs

Closeup of Jocelyn in pink dress smiling

Whenever I think of vintage appetizers, these BBQ grape jelly meatballs are the first thing that comes to mind. They’ve been around longer than I’ve been alive, and I’m convinced they’re never going out of style.

I love making them for family gatherings, game day, parties, potlucks, and any occasion I wanna serve happiness on a toothpick. The slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting, which means I’ve got time to get my house looking kinda decent and maybe even slap on some mascara. Maybe!

I know some of y’all younger boos might be side-eyeing this recipe like “Grape jelly and chili sauce? Sis, no” but hear me out! That mix of sweet and spicy is what takes these meatballs straight to legendary status. One bite and you’ll be HOOKED.

Ingredients you’ll need to make Grape Jelly Meatballs

Overhead shot of ingredients for making grape jelly meatballs on a marble surface before cooking

Frozen Meatballs: I always grab a bag of frozen meatballs because, well, who has time to roll meatballs on a busy day? They’re a lifesaver!
Grape Jelly: Good ol’ Smuckers or whatever brand you love will do the trick.
Chili Sauce: This doesn’t make the dish spicy, just adds a subtle, delicious heat. Heinz is a classic and easy to find near the ketchup.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce, or whip up a batch of homemade.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of this makes the sauce sing with savory, garlicky notes.

How to make Grape Jelly Meatballs

Overhead view of a slow cooker filled with frozen meatballs topped with grape jelly, chili sauce, bbq sauce and garlic powder, ready to be cooked

Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker.

Overhead view of the slow cooker showing meatballs simmering in the sauce as it begins to thicken

Stir until the meatballs are evenly coated.

Closeup of fully cooked meatballs coated in a glossy grape jelly glaze inside the slow cooker

Cook on high heat.

Overhead view of grape jelly meatballs on the slow cooker with sauce pooling around them, ready to be served

Stir occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are hot throughout.

What to serve with jelly and chili sauce meatballs

Dips to Munch On: Pair these sweet and tangy meatballs with a spread of classic dips like cowboy caviar, buffalo chicken dip, or pimento cheese.
More Finger Food: Keep your app board lit with some crispy lemon pepper wings, fried pickles, or fried green tomatoes.
Hearty Sides: Serve these meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Keep It Sweet: After all those savory bites, treat your crew to sweet snacks like turtle candy, frozen yogurt bark, or a big bowl of caramel popcorn.

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Pair these easy tomato tarts with grape jelly meatballs for THE crowd-pleasing app spread!

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These cheeseburger loaded fries bring all the flavors of a classic burger to crispy, cheesy, and meaty fries.

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My spicy buffalo fried cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and so good you won’t even miss the chicken wings.

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These fried zucchini slices are golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and downright addictive.

Recipe Substitutions

Meatballs: Whip up homemade meatballs with ground beef, pork, or turkey. Just roll ’em bite-sized so they soak up all that sauce.
Grape Jelly: Use what you got, boos! Apricot preserves, apple jelly, or even cranberry sauce work great. Cranberry meatballs? Yes please!
Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce or even a mild salsa can step in. You can also skip it and double up on BBQ sauce.
Thinner Sauce: If thick sauces aren’t your thing, add about 1/3 cup water to thin it out. It’ll give you a nice glaze instead.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Pineapple Vibes: Skewer a meatball with a piece of pineapple for a sweet, teriyaki-style snack.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
Veggie Boost: If you’re making these jelly and chili sauce meatballs for dinner, throw in some diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker.
Smoky Flavors: Stir in some smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper, smoky kick.

A spoonful of grape jelly meatballs lifted from the slow cooker, showcasing their shiny glaze

Expert Tips and Tricks for making the best grape jelly meatballs recipe

Coat ‘Em Well: Make sure the sauce covers all the meatballs evenly in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure every bite is saucy perfection.
No Thawing Necessary: Toss those meatballs in straight from the freezer, boos. No need to thaw, they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Keep It Warm: When the meatballs are done, switch your slow cooker to the warm setting. It’ll keep them hot and ready to serve!
Stir Occasionally: Every now and then, give the meatballs a gentle stir. This helps the sauce thicken up and ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.

How to store & reheat Grape Jelly Meatballs

You’re lucky you have leftovers! Pop the meatballs into an airtight container and store them in the fridge.

To reheat your grape jelly meatballs you’ve got options boo! For a crowd, toss them back in the slow cooker on low with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and let them warm up slowly. If you’re in a hurry, heat them on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally until they’re hot and saucy again. Or zap them in the microwave!

How long will Grape Jelly Meatballs last in the fridge?

These meatballs will stay good for up to 4 days, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy round two.

Can I freeze slow cooker grape jelly meatballs?

You can freeze these beauties! Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to get rid of as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Side view of a stack of grape jelly meatballs on a plate, garnished with a toothpick on the top one

Frequently asked questions

Can I double the recipe?

Yup! This recipe is super easy to double, but make sure your slow cooker is big enough to fit all those meatballs without overcrowding.

Are these meatballs spicy?

Not really. The chili sauce adds a little subtle heat, but it’s more about balancing the sweetness from the grape jelly.

My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?

Turn the slow cooker to high and leave the lid off for about 15-20 minutes. Or you can also mix a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water), and stir it into the sauce.

Plate of grape jelly meatballs with one bitten into, revealing the tender interior and saucy exterior

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