Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs are a delicious and simple dish that everyone will love. These sweet and tangy meatballs are perfect for gatherings, parties, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful treat that is sure to please your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. It is perfect for those who are busy but still want to enjoy a tasty meal. The combination of grape jelly and chili sauce gives the meatballs a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it even easier—just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!
How to Make Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces grape jelly
- 12 ounces Heinz chili sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs, fully cooked
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch + 3 teaspoons water to thicken
- Hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
- Spray the inside bowl of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker first.
- Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce over the meatballs. Give it a stir to make sure the meatballs are all coated.
- Cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours.
- Once the meatballs are done cooking, add in the cornstarch slurry. Stir and continue to cook until the sauce starts to thicken. This will take about 3 minutes.
- Change the slow cooker setting to the warm setting until you are ready to serve them.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a meal with rice if you desire.
How to Serve Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs can be served as a tasty appetizer or as part of a main dish. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, provide toothpicks for easy serving. If you want to make it a meal, serve the meatballs over rice. They can also be enjoyed with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
How to Store Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
To store any leftover meatballs, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for longer storage. Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
- For a spicier kick, add hot sauce to the meatballs while cooking.
- If you want a thicker sauce, make sure to use the cornstarch slurry at the end to achieve the desired consistency.
- You can also make your own meatballs if you prefer a homemade touch.
Variation
You can substitute grape jelly with other fruit jams like raspberry or apricot for different flavor profiles. Using different sauces, such as teriyaki, can also give a unique taste to your meatballs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
A: Yes, you can definitely use homemade meatballs! Just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
Q: How do I reheat the meatballs?
A: To reheat, place the meatballs in a pot over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs, fully cooked Feel free to substitute with homemade meatballs.
For the Sauce
- 28 ounces grape jelly You can use different fruit jams for variation.
- 12 ounces Heinz chili sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce Substituting with different sauces can provide unique flavors.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch Use in combination with water to thicken the sauce.
- 3 teaspoons water Use to make the cornstarch slurry.
- to taste hot sauce Optional for added spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the inside bowl of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the grape jelly and chili sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat.
Cooking
- Cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours.
- Once done, add the cornstarch slurry and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
Serving
- Change the slow cooker setting to the warm setting until ready to serve.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a meal over rice.
