Grape Jelly Meatballs (Crockpot Recipe)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Savory party meatballs smothered in grape jelly and barbecue sauce? If you thought jelly and meatballs didn’t mix, get ready to have your mind blown with this easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Crockpot recipe!
Why you’ll love this Grape Jelly Meatballs slow cooker recipe!
Ingredient notes
- Grape jelly | Grape jelly is the perfect rich and sweet complement to savory meatballs and tangy barbecue sauce. You can use whatever brand of jelly is your favorite.
- Barbecue sauce | Add your favorite basic barbecue sauce for a beautiful balance of flavor.
- Frozen meatballs | Could this recipe get any easier? Use fully-cooked frozen meatballs. Homestyle is best — however, Italian meatballs will work fine.
How to make Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly
Learn how to make this three-ingredient crowd-pleasing recipe for savory and sweet meatballs three ways — with the slow cooker, stovetop, or oven.
Slow Cooker Method
STEP 1 | Combine the sauce
Hands down, making these incredible grape jelly and barbecue meatballs in the slow cooker is the easiest method. However, it does take the longest.
Start by adding the jelly and barbecue sauce (or chili sauce) to the slow cooker and stir the ingredients thoroughly.
STEP 2 | Add the meatballs and cook
Then, empty the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them with the sauce. And finally, replace the lid and set the heat on low.
In three to four hours, your jelly meatballs will be ready to serve—That’s it!
Stovetop Method
STEP 1 | Create the sauce
For a quicker stovetop method, grab a large saucepan and set the temperature to medium heat. Pour the grape jelly and barbecue sauce (or chili sauce) into the pan and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
STEP 2 | Add the meatballs and simmer
Now, add the frozen meatballs to the pan and stir to coat them with the sweet and tangy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and bring the ingredients to a simmer.
Then, continue cooking for 30 minutes until the meatballs are heated through. Stir the recipe occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
In the Oven
STEP 1 | Preheat and prep
Making grape jelly meatballs in the oven is still very easy! Plus, it takes as little as 25 minutes to bake.
Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray or grease it with butter. Then, empty the bag of frozen meatballs into the dish.
STEP 2 | Mix the sauce and add it to the casserole dish
Grab a medium mixing bowl and pour in the grape jelly and barbecue sauce (or chili sauce). Stir the two ingredients until they are combined. Carefully pour the sauce over the meatballs. Then, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
STEP 3 | Bake and serve!
Finally, slip the casserole dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Using caution, lift the foil from the dish to check if the jelly meatballs are finished baking. You’ll know your meatballs are done when they are hot and bubbly.
tips
- Because the frozen meatballs are fully cooked, the goal of cooking the recipe is to heat them all the way through. So, when the meatballs are thawed and hot, dive on in!
- To give this recipe an extra zing, add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- If you are using this recipe for an appetizer, you can serve the jelly meatballs straight from the slow cooker with a serving spoon or poke toothpicks into each one and place them on a festive tray.
- When using the slow cooker method, remember not to lift the lid as it cooks. This allows the heat to escape and can alter the proper cooking time.
If you need more effortless crowd-pleasing appetizers to add to your holiday menu, check out my Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip, Pineapple Cheese Ball, and Mediterranean Appetizer Pinwheels.
Variations and substitutions
- Traditionally, this meatball appetizer recipe uses rich and sweet grape jelly. However, you can experiment with different jelly flavors, such as strawberry, apricot, or peach. Of course, expect the taste to differ, but the meatballs will be a hit no matter what jelly you use.
- You may use chili sauce instead of the barbecue sauce if you prefer. Or, even better, use a combination of the two!
Storage and reheating tips
- These saucy meatballs will store well in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to four days. You can also freeze the recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last a good three months in the freezer.
- To reheat the meatballs, pour them back into the slow cooker or even heat them in the microwave. Just cook them until they are heated all the way through.
Frequently asked questions
I like to use homestyle frozen meatballs for this recipe because they are mild in taste, allowing the tangy sauce to steal the spotlight. In a pinch, you can use frozen Italian meatballs. They are seasoned a little heavier but blend well with the sweet jelly and tangy barbecue sauce.
The meatballs can be made with turkey, beef, chicken, or any combination. Furthermore, this recipe works best when you use smaller meatballs. The ratio of each bite is perfected with smaller meatballs and plenty of sauce!
You can also make your own meatballs. Just be sure to cook them before starting the recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Unfortunately, the true origins of this classic recipe are unknown. We know that they have been enjoyed by families and featured in cookbooks since the 1960s and continue to be a hit to this day.
What to serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs
This easy grape jelly meatball recipe is great because it can be served as an appetizer, main entree, or even a side dish.
Poke a toothpick into each meatball or skewer a few onto a medium bamboo stick and place them on a tray as an appetizer. Or you can drop a serving spoon into the slow cooker and have your guests scoop them out onto small appetizer plates.
Complete the spread with this Christmas Charcuterie Board, some spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, and savory Rosemary Spiced Nuts — YUM!
As a hearty side dish, pair this recipe with a refreshing and light Christmas Salad. Or, let the meatballs be the star of the show and serve them over buttery rice or fluffy mashed potatoes with a green veggie side.
Love this recipe? Bookmark it for the future!
Simply tap the heart symbol located in the lower right corner of your screen, and the recipe will be securely stored in your own recipe box.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce or chili sauce
- 2 lb. frozen meatballs
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add grape jelly and barbecue sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Empty the meatballs into the slow cooker and stir gently to coat with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
Stove Top
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce.
- Add the meatballs, stirring to coat with the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray and add the meatballs.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Pour over the meatballs and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Because the frozen meatballs are fully cooked, the goal of cooking the recipe is to heat them all the way through. So, when the meatballs are thawed and hot, dive on in!
- To give this recipe an extra zing, add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- If you are using this recipe for an appetizer, you can serve the jelly meatballs straight from the slow cooker with a serving spoon or poke toothpicks into each one and place them on a festive tray.
- When using the slow cooker method, remember not to lift the lid as it cooks. This allows the heat to escape and can alter the proper cooking time.
- These meatballs will store well in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to four days. You can also freeze the recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last a good three months in the freezer.
- To reheat the meatballs, pour them back into the slow cooker or even heat them in the microwave. Just cook them until they are heated all the way through.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
About Sheila Thigpen
Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Food Writer
Sheila Thigpen is the publisher of Life, Love, and Good Food — a Southern food blog — and the author of Easy Chicken Cookbook and The 5-Ingredient Fresh and Easy Cookbook. After 20+ years in the publishing industry, she retired in 2018 to focus on her own creative endeavors full time. She and her husband live near the beautiful Smoky Mountains and have a precious little granddaughter who has stolen their hearts. As an influencer, Sheila has collaborated with brands like Creamette, Kroger, HERSHEY’S, Hamilton Beach, Garafalo Pasta, OXO, Smithfield, Valley Fig Growers, and more.
