These Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a fun and tasty treat! Made with juicy meatballs cooked in a sweet and tangy grape jelly sauce, they are perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Honestly, who knew grape jelly could make such a yummy sauce? I love serving these with toothpicks—super easy for snacking! Perfect for those days when you want something simple and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use beef, turkey, or pork meatballs. I recommend beef for its rich flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey works great too! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs are a quick and easy choice.
Grape Jelly: This is the star ingredient! For a twist, you can swap grape jelly with other fruit jellies like raspberry or plum for a unique flavor. You could also try homemade fruit preserves if you have some on hand.
Chili Sauce/Barbecue Sauce: I prefer using chili sauce for its tangy kick. However, if you want a sweeter taste, barbecue sauce is a perfect alternative. Feel free to mix brands for a special flavor!
Soy Sauce: This is optional but adds an extra layer of umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari or simply skip it altogether.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Coated Meatballs?
To make sure your meatballs are deliciously coated with sauce, follow these steps:
- Mix the grape jelly and sauce thoroughly before pouring it over the meatballs. This ensures even coverage.
- When cooking, stir the mixture occasionally during the cooking time. This prevents sticking and helps coat every meatball.
- After cooking, gently toss the meatballs in any leftover sauce for an extra glaze.
These tricks help you serve up Meatballs that are bursting with flavor and visually appealing for your gathering!
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs frozen or fresh meatballs (beef, turkey, or pork)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce or barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and will take either 3-4 hours on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
If you’re working with frozen meatballs, you can either thaw them a bit in the microwave or toss them directly into the crockpot frozen. Either way works great!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the grape jelly and chili sauce together until smooth. If you choose to add soy sauce for that extra depth of flavor, stir it in well until evenly mixed.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Now, place the meatballs in the crockpot. Pour your grape jelly sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, making sure every meatball is coated. Yummy!
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. The goal is for the meatballs to be heated through and the sauce to be bubbly and delicious!
5. Stir and Serve:
Give the meatballs a gentle stir occasionally to make sure they’re not sticking. Once they’re cooked, give them a final stir to coat everything evenly.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Transfer the sticky, sweet meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm. I’ve found they’re best served with toothpicks for easy snacking—perfect for parties or family gatherings!
This recipe makes for irresistible, flavorful meatballs smothered in a delightful grape jelly sauce that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs straight from the bag. Just toss them into the crockpot without thawing, and follow the recipe as usual. They will cook perfectly!
What Are Some Good Sauce Alternatives?
If you’d like to swap out the grape jelly, try using other fruit jellies like raspberry or apricot for a different flavor. You can also mix barbecue sauce with grape jelly for a sweeter twist!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time and then keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them juicy.
