Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Grape jelly meatballs, made with only 3 ingredients, are a party staple. Fix them on the stove, in the crockpot, or in the instant pot!
This easy grape jelly meatball recipe is great as an app or as part of the main course. Fix it with other potluck inspired favorites like stuffed mushrooms, and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers.
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Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Grape Jelly Meatball Ingredients
- Grape jelly – Grape jelly is our favorite, but you can use any flavor jelly (or jam, or marmalade) you like.
- Tomato chili sauce – A couple bottles of Heinz chili sauce is great, but you can also make homemade chili sauce!
- Meatballs – Make this quick with a bag of frozen meatballs, or use your own meatball recipe.
How do you make grape jelly meatballs? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, in a large pot, whisk together grape jelly and chili sauce.
⭐ Next, bring sauce to a low simmer.
⭐ Then, stir in meatballs and heat until cooked through.
Crockpot grape jelly meatballs
⭐ First, add grape jelly and chili sauce to slow cooker.
⭐ Next, whisk together and then stir in meatballs.
⭐ Finally, cover and cook until heated through (high at least 3 hours, low at least 4 hours).
Instant pot grape jelly meatballs
⭐ First, add grape jelly and chili sauce to instant pot, whisk together and then stir in meatballs.
⭐ Next, cover and set to sealing. Cook the meatballs on manual, then do a careful quick release (pause if it begins to sputter).
⭐ Finally, remove lid and stir meatballs.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make grape jelly meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these a day or two ahead of time and then reheat if you like. That said, it really is a simple dish and is best enjoyed when first made.
What kind of jelly is best for grape jelly meatballs?
There’s no particular brand that works better than another, but if you can’t find grape, feel free to substitute with another flavor of jelly (some we’ve tried are apricot, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry).
Also, feel free to try jams or marmalades. (For a kick, try one with jalapenos). You can even use cranberry sauce!
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you can’t find, or just don’t want to use, chili sauce (it’s not spicy, I promise!), a tasty alternative is barbecue sauce. Whisk in the BBQ sauce in place of the chili sauce in the recipe.
What are the best meatballs for grape jelly meatballs?
To make quick work of this, I love grabbing a bag of frozen meatballs from the market. That said, if you’ve got the time, try making your own meatballs (maybe these turkey meatballs).
How can you make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce for serving, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (2 – 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 – 3 tablespoons cold water) while the sauce is simmering.
Storage and leftovers
How long do grape jelly meatballs last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. If the meatballs were kept out at room temperature for more than 2 hours then leftovers should be disposed of.
Can you freeze grape jelly meatballs?
Yes, if you have leftovers or make a double batch to save some for later, you can totally freeze them.
Allow the meatballs to cool, then store in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
What to eat with grape jelly meatballs (serving suggestions)
This recipe makes a delicious appetizer (perfect for Super Bowl or March madness parties), but we also love it as a main dinner course over cauliflower rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
More delicious meatball recipes
- Chicken meatballs
- Sweet and sour meatballs
- Classic homemade meatball recipe
- Swedish meatballs
- Turkey meatballs
- Meatball soup
- Spicy meatballs
- Ham Balls Recipe
- See all our fun meatball recipes!
Other delicious appetizer ideas
- Pepperoni pizza dip
- Crack chicken dip recipe
- Caprese skewers with tomato and mozzarella
- Baked chicken wings
- See all our easy appetizer recipes
Tools we love
- Instant pot – We love our electric pressure cooker! I have the 6 quart. (Okay, okay, I have two).
- Slow cooker – I have this 7 quart model and it’s perfect.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces grape jelly
- 24 ounces tomato chili sauce
- 3 - 5 pounds prepared meatballs (frozen works great)
- OPTIONAL corn starch slurry 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (repeat as needed)
Instructions
Stove Top
- In a large pot, whisk together grape jelly and chili sauce over medium-low heat until sauce is mixed and reaches a low simmer.
- Stir in meatballs and heat until cooked through.
Slow Cooker
- Add grape jelly and chili sauce to slow cooker, whisk together and then stir in meatballs.
- Cover and cook until heated through (high at least 3 hours, low at least 4 hours).
Instant Pot
- Add grape jelly, chili sauce, and 1 cup water to instant pot, whisk together and then stir in meatballs.
- Cover and set to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes, then do a careful quick release (pause if it begins to sputter).
- Remove lid and stir meatballs.
- To thicken sauce, stir in corn starch slurry until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Nutrition
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My kids can eat these faster than I am serving them!! They are always a hit & loaded with taste!
Wow – these did not last long! Great recipe easy to make and packed with flavor!
Super good! Everyone loved them! Thanks