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I’ve been making these Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs for years, and they never last long! With just three simple ingredients and almost no prep, this sweet and tangy appetizer is my go-to for parties, game day, or even an easy weeknight dinner. They’re always a hit with family and friends!
If you love easy party appetizers like these Grape Jelly Meatballs, you’ll also want to try my Buffalo Chicken Dip, Crockpot Little Smokies, and Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread. They’re all crowd-pleasing favorites made for snacking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand (I love Sweet Baby Ray’s) for smoky-sweet flavor. Swap in Heinz chili sauce for a zestier kick.
- Grape Jelly: Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Frozen Meatballs: Beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs all work. Keep them frozen-no need to thaw.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Why BBQ Sauce Works Best in Grape Jelly Meatballs
While some recipes use chili sauce, I love BBQ sauce in grape jelly meatballs because it creates the perfect smoky-sweet balance. The grape jelly adds fruity sweetness, while BBQ sauce brings tang, spice, and just the right hint of smoke. Plus, you can customize the flavor with your favorite style-classic smoky, spicy, or honey BBQ,making this version a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Variations
Want to change up the classic recipe? Try these fun twists:
- Cranberry sauce swap: Use cranberry for a tart holiday flavor.
- Homemade version: Roll ground beef into meatballs for a made-from-scratch upgrade.
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Fruity twist: Experiment with raspberry, apricot, or peach jam for a different sweet note.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Mix the sauce: Add grape jelly and barbecue sauce (or chili sauce) to your crockpot and stir until combined.
- Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs right on top of the sauce, then stir to coat them evenly.
- Slow cook: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve with toothpicks-perfect for parties, game day, or holiday gatherings.
Recipe Tips
- Balance the flavor: Use equal parts grape jelly and BBQ sauce for the perfect sweet and tangy taste.
- Stir once or twice: Gently stir during cooking to keep the meatballs coated without breaking them apart.
- Don’t overcook: Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2 hours, longer can dry out the meatballs.
- Keep warm for parties: Set the crockpot to “warm” so your grape jelly meatballs stay hot and ready for guests.
- Line the crockpot: Use a slow cooker liner for super easy cleanup afterward.
Can You Make Grape Jelly Meatballs on the Stovetop or Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have time for the crockpot, this grape jelly meatball recipe works great on the stovetop or in the oven:
- Stovetop method: Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to a large pot or dutch oven, stir until smooth, then add the frozen meatballs. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Oven method: Place frozen meatballs in a baking dish, whisk grape jelly and BBQ sauce together, and pour over top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway, until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are hot.
Both methods are perfect for last-minute prep while still giving you that sweet and tangy flavor everyone loves.
How to Store and Reheat Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Store: Keep cooled meatballs in an airtight container with sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container (with sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm in the crockpot on low, simmer gently on the stovetop, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the meatballs from drying out.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Taco Ring
- Mini Enchilada Cups
- Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
- Teriyaki Meatballs
If you tried this Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!!!
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
- 18 ounces grape jelly
- 32 ounce bag of frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Mix the BBQ sauce and grape jelly in the slow cooker.18 ounces BBQ sauce, 18 ounces grape jelly
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir.32 ounce bag of frozen meatballs
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours.
Jenn’s Notes
- Store: Refrigerate cooled meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze (with sauce) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in the crockpot on low, stovetop on a gentle simmer, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
- Balance the flavor: Use equal parts grape jelly and BBQ sauce for the perfect sweet and tangy taste.
- Stir once or twice: Gently stir during cooking to keep the meatballs coated without breaking them apart.
- Don’t overcook: Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2 hours, longer can dry out the meatballs.
- Keep warm for parties: Set the crockpot to “warm” so your grape jelly meatballs stay hot and ready for guests.
- Line the crockpot: Use a slow cooker liner for super easy cleanup afterward.
fabulous
I used to make these for years. Except instead of meatballs, I used Boar’s Head cocktail weenies. My go to bbq sauce was Kraft Hickory Smoked.
I’ve made these for years, always a hit. Instead of BBQ sauce I use Heinz chili sauce.
I have made these for years! I use Costco’s meatballs & instead of BBQ sauce, I use Heinz Chili sauce. I receive lots of compliments and requests to make more. Yum!
Just curious about the type of meatballs everyone uses. Are the homestyle or Italian ones best?
I’ve made these meatballs with chili sauce. I also add some red pepper flakes and a bit of granulated garlic (both to taste.)
Always a favorite!!
I have used both! I love the Trader Joe’s frozen meatballs that I believe are homestyle and I have used the Costco brand Italian!
I make these all the time except I use a bottle of Chili Sauce instead of bbq. My guys love them.
Use Heinz Chili Sauce instead of BBQ sauce. Yum!!!!
I definitely will try your great sounding meat ball recipe.
We really enjoy your recipes.
I am so happy and appreciative with your fantastic recipes.
Thanks so much!
Have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year!
Thank you SO much Shirley!!