Looking for a simple, delicious appetizer or main dish that everyone will love? These easy crockpot grape jelly meatballs are your answer. With only three ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a sweet and tangy masterpiece that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a no-fuss weeknight dinner. This recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder, making it a favorite for busy cooks everywhere.
Affiliate links included. AI-assisted content, reviewed by me. [See Disclosure Page]
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple. With only three ingredients and one pot, it’s a foolproof recipe.
- The prep is fast. You’ll spend just five minutes getting everything ready.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser. The unique sweet and savory flavor is a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- It uses a crockpot. This means you can just set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other things.
What You Need to Make the Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (18-ounce) jar grape jelly
- 1 (18-ounce) jar BBQ sauce
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 50)
Tools:
- A slow cooker (crockpot)
- A whisk or spoon for mixing
- A ladle for serving
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, saut…
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables …
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy…
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit…
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guarant…
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
How to Make Step-by-Step
Making these delicious meatballs is so simple, even a child can do it.
- Prep the Sauce: In your slow cooker, pour in the entire jar of grape jelly and the entire jar of BBQ sauce.
- Mix It Up: Take your whisk or a large spoon and stir the two sauces together. Keep stirring until the grape jelly is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Meatballs: Carefully pour the entire bag of frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Make sure they are fully cooked.
- Coat Them: Gently stir the meatballs until each one is evenly coated in the sweet and savory sauce.
- Cook: Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the meatballs on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. The goal is for the meatballs to be heated through and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Give them a final stir before serving.
How to Serve
These versatile meatballs can be served in a few ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve them hot from the slow cooker with a bowl of toothpicks on the side for easy grabbing.
- With sides: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- As a slider: Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto small slider buns for a mini-sandwich.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or back in the crockpot on low until warmed through. This allows the sauce to become rich and flavorful again.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can mix the grape jelly and BBQ sauce together up to a day in advance and store the mixture in the refrigerator. This saves you a few minutes on the day you plan to cook.
- The cooked meatballs can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for several hours, making them perfect for parties.
Special Tips
- Don’t be afraid to try different flavors. While grape jelly is a classic, you can get creative.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- For the best flavor, make sure you let the meatballs cook for the full time. The slow cooking process is what makes the sauce so rich and delicious.
Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Swap the BBQ sauce for an equal amount of chili sauce for a classic, sweet and spicy combo.
- Different Jams: Instead of grape jelly, try apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or even orange marmalade. Each will give the sauce a unique, fruity twist.
- Alternative Meatballs: Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option. You can also use homemade meatballs for an even richer flavor.
Side Dishes
- Rice: The sauce is perfect for spooning over white or brown rice.
- Mashed Potatoes: This is the ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a simple side of roasted broccoli or carrots to balance the richness.
- Slider Buns: Use slider rolls to make mini meatball sandwiches.
Common Mistakes
- Using Raw Meatballs: Don’t use raw meatballs! This recipe is designed for frozen, fully cooked meatballs to save time and ensure they cook through properly.
- Not Stirring Enough: Be sure to whisk the grape jelly and BBQ sauce thoroughly before adding the meatballs to prevent a lumpy sauce.
- Serving Immediately: While you can serve them right away, giving the meatballs and sauce time to simmer allows the flavors to deepen and become much richer.
FAQ
What kind of meatballs can I use?
You should use frozen, fully cooked meatballs. This saves you a ton of time and is key to the simplicity of this recipe. You can use beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs. Just be sure they are pre-cooked.
Can I make these on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make them on the stovetop. Simply combine the grape jelly and BBQ sauce in a large pot and heat over medium-low heat until the jelly dissolves. Add the frozen meatballs and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they are heated through and coated in the sauce.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover grape jelly meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are also great for meal prep and reheat beautifully.
Is it okay to adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Absolutely. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of grape jelly slightly. If you want more tang, you can add a little bit of vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
Are grape jelly meatballs good for parties?
They are perfect for parties! They are a classic party food because they are easy to make in large batches and can be kept warm for hours in the slow cooker. They’re also a great conversation starter and everyone loves them.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also make the meatballs a day or two in advance and reheat them when your guests arrive. The flavor often gets better after sitting.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot grape jelly meatballs recipe is a game-changer. It’s a simple, reliable, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts. The combination of sweet grape jelly and smoky BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that transforms frozen meatballs into a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Grape Jelly Meatballs (Crockpot) Recipe Card
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Servings: 10–12
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 (18 oz) jar grape jelly
- 1 (18 oz) jar BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Add the frozen meatballs to your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and BBQ sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly.
- Cover with a lid and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through.
- Stir the meatballs before serving to ensure they are fully glazed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
- Spoon over rice or mashed potatoes for a main dish.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or on mini slider buns.
