Classic Grape Jelly Meatballs – made with just 4 ingredients! These meatballs are crockpot ready in minutes and make the perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or holidays!
If you grew up in the midwest, chances are you’ve had Grape Jelly Meatballs. They’ve been a staple at family gatherings for as long as I can remember… and at this point, it’s hard to imagine holidays without them!
They’re one of those rare things that are loved equally by kids and adults, alike… because they have it all! The savory, the sweet, and the little bit of heat.
Of course, it’s only as an adult that I realize just how easy Grape Jelly Meatballs are to make. (No wonder they were such a staple!) All you need is 4 ingredients and 5 minutes… and you’re well on your way to the most satisfying meatballs ever.
This recipe calls for frozen meatballs, but if you prefer homemade, I included my easy homemade meatball recipe as well. Because options are nice, but NOT making these meatballs? Well… that’s NOT an option!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Meatballs – I used two 14-ounce bags of frozen homestyle meatballs.
Chili sauce – I used 12 ounces chili sauce (Heinz or store brand).
Grape jelly – I added 1 cup grape jelly for sweetness.
Cayenne pepper – I also added 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for touch of heat. Feel free to add more or less if you prefer.
how to make grape jelly meatballs
Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly and cayenne pepper. Stir.
Combine the meatballs and sauce. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker; pour the sauce over the top and stir to mix.
Heat. Heat on high heat 2-4 hours OR on low for 4-6 hours, until meatballs are tender and warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute another flavors of jelly for the grape
- Add less jelly for less sweet meatballs
- Add additional spices, such as smoked paprika, mustard powder, or onion powder
- Use homemade meatballs instead of frozen meatballs (see recipe below)
- Substitute turkey, chicken, or meatless meatballs
- Substitute barbecue sauce for the chili sauce OR use a combination of the two
- Add fresh minced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat
how to make homemade meatballs
This recipe is easy to make with homemade meatballs. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, egg, milk, minced onion, salt and pepper. Mix well, then roll into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place them in rows on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake meatballs at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.
shortcut, storage & reheating tips
Leftover meatballs can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer meatballs to a small saucepan or crock pot and heat over low heat until warmed through. As a time saver, you can also make these on the stovetop and keep them warm in the slow cooker.
More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
You can never have enough meatballs! Here are some more of our favorite recipes!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
- crockpot
Ingredients
- 28 ounces frozen meatballs
- 12 ounce jar chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine chili sauce, grape jelly and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Add frozen meatballs to a crockpot; cover with sauce.
- Heat on high heat 2-4 hours, until heated through. Reduce temperature to low to keep warm.
Notes
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper