BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
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These BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate sweet and tangy appetizer! Juicy, saucy, and ridiculously easy to make, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or busy weeknight dinners.
Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs
I’m not sure who first thought to mix grape jelly and BBQ sauce, but they deserve a medal. I know it sounds a little strange, but somehow tossing meatballs into these two simple ingredients turns into something seriously delicious. It sounds too easy to be this good, but trust me, the unique sweet and tangy combo just works!
This has become one of my go-to recipes for everything from game days to holiday parties. The meatballs come out super tender and juicy, completely coated in that sticky, flavor-packed sauce.
The best part? Not only do they make the perfect party appetizer but they’re just as tasty spooned over noodles or rice for an easy weeknight dinner!
If you like these slow cooker meatballs, you should also try my Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfect for any occasion: Serve as an easy appetizer, a party snack, or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Set it and forget it: Just toss in the ingredients and the slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Just 3 ingredients: All you need are some frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, and grape jelly and you’re good to go!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen meatballs: Beef meatballs, turkey meatballs, or your favorite variety all work.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet sauces pair best with the grape jelly’s fruity flavor.
- Grape jelly: The magic ingredient for that perfect sweet-and-tangy sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color.
How to Make BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Step 1. Place meatballs in crockpot.
Step 2. Top with BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Cover with lid and cook on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time. Cook until the meatballs are fully heated through, stirring them at the halfway point. This will help heat them more evenly and keep the sauce from burning on the bottom of the pan.
Step 4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve as an appetizer with a toothpick or over noodles or rice. Enjoy!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Add-ins
One of the things I love about these are that there are so many ways to switch these up. Try these fun twists to make them your own!
- Jelly: Try this meatball recipe with apple jelly, cranberry sauce, or even apricot jelly for a fun twist.
- Chili sauce: Use Heinz chili sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a spicier version.
- Garlic: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the barbecue sauce for a savory punch.
- Meatballs: Beef, turkey meatballs, or Italian meatballs all work great for this recipe.
- Tangy touch: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: For a sweeter version, drizzle with a little honey right before serving.
- Smoky flavored: Use a smoky BBQ sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Though this is pretty much a fail-proof recipe, these simple tips will help you nail these meatballs every time.
- Use a sweet BBQ sauce: Tangy sauces are great, but a sweeter BBQ sauce complements the grape jelly best.
- Don’t skip stirring halfway through: This keeps the sauce from burning and ensures even cooking.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to let the sauce reduce.
- Keep warm for serving: Leave the slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting to keep them at the perfect temperature until it’s time to eat.
FAQs
Absolutely! Use a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simmer on medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are fully heated and the sauce thickens.
Absolutely. If you use fresh meatballs, just make sure they’re cooked through by checking the internal temperature (160-165°F).
Yes, you can! Set the crockpot to high and cook the meatballs for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through to avoid burning the sauce.
You can serve the meatballs spooned over rice, your favorite noodles or mashed potatoes with a simple green veggie for a complete meal.
Of course. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold that many meatballs.
They have a sweet and savory flavor, If you prefer spicy, you can mix in some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Other Hearty Appetizer Recipes
- Fried Deviled Eggs
- Sweet & Sour Meatballs
- Hot Honey Wings
- Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
- Sausage Cheese Dip
- Ham and Turkey Pinwheels
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 36 ounces frozen meatballs
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
- 17 ounces grape jelly
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place meatballs in crockpot.36 ounces frozen meatballs
- Top with BBQ sauce and grape jelly. Stir to combine.18 ounces BBQ sauce, 17 ounces grape jelly
- Cover with lid and cook on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time. Cook until the meatballs are fully heated through, stirring them at the halfway point. This will help heat them more evenly and keep the sauce from burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve as an appetizer with a toothpick or over noodles or rice. Enjoy!Fresh parsley
Notes
- Tangy BBQ sauces will work, but I recommend a sweeter BBQ sauce to complement the grape jelly best.
- Don’t forget to stir halfway through. This keeps the sauce from burning and ensures even cooking
Nutrition
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About Lisa O’Driscoll
Lisa O’Driscoll is a lifestyle and parenting expert, cookbook author, and the creative force behind Fun Money Mom, a popular blog she’s Lisa O’Driscoll is a lifestyle and parenting expert, cookbook author, and the creative force behind Fun Money Mom, a popular blog she’s run since 2014. She’s the author of the children’s cookbook Roll It, Slice It, Mash It, Dice It, designed to get kids excited about cooking. With multiple TV appearances under her belt, she loves sharing her expertise on family-friendly recipes, creative DIYs, and party planning and is always on a mission to inspire and entertain!
