Grape Jelly Meatballs (3 Ingredients)

Delicious Grape Jelly Meatballs – classic party appetizer with only 3 ingredients! The easiest and most delicious meatball recipe around! You can make the meatballs three different ways – on the stove top, in the slow cooker, or in the oven. The perfect appetizer for holiday parties and game day. Equally delicious as a main course served over white rice for a simple dinner.

grape jelly meatball on a toothpick

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Easy Party Meatball Recipe

The first time I had these meatballs was several years ago at a Christmas party. I absolutely loved them! I could not stop eating them. Chicken Legs get would get some extra meatballs on his plate so I could eat extra without people noticing. I was shocked when I found out how they were made. The secret ingredient is grape jelly! Chili sauce and grape jelly combine to make a delicious bbq sauce.I can promise you I would have never tried them if I had known they had grape jelly in them. Who knew it would be SO good! This easy appetizer is a must for game day!

How to Make Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

These meatballs are ridiculously easy to make with only three ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together chili sauce and grape jelly. Place frozen meatballs into a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour grape jelly sauce over the top of the meatballs. Toss to coat. Cook over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve the cooked meatballs in a large bowl.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

  • I use store-bought meatballs. You can use any flavor you prefer. Turkey meatballs, Italian meatballs, ground beef meatballs, and chicken meatballs all work great.
    • I prefer 1/2-ounce frozen meatballs.
    • There is no need to thaw the meatballs before cooking.
    • Can substitute cooked homemade meatballs.
  • For the chili sauce, look for Heinz Chili Sauce. It is near the ketchup at the store.
  • Add a little bit of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
  • Can I make Grape Jelly Meatballs in the oven? Sure! Combine all the ingredients and spread them into a baking dish. Bake the meatballs according to the package directions.
  • Can I make Party Meatballs in the Slow Cooker? Yes! Make the grape jelly sauce. Place the meatballs in the crockpot. Pour sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are hot.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    • You can reheat leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker.
platter of grape jelly meatballs

What to Serve with Cocktail Meatballs

These meatballs are great for parties or a quick dinner. If we are eating these for dinner, we usually serve them over rice with green beans and a roll.

These meatballs are a staple at all of our tailgates and holiday parties. Everyone loves them! If you are making these for large groups, you might want to double the recipe. These things go fast! Add this easy recipe to your next party menu. They are a crowd favorite!

grape jelly meatball on a toothpick

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Yield: 12 people
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Grape Jelly Meatballs – only 3 ingredients! The easiest and most delicious meatball recipe around! You can make the meatballs on the stovetop, in the slow cooker., or the oven. Great for holiday parties or served over rice for a simple dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (32-oz) bag ½-oz frozen meatballs
  • 1 (12-oz) jar grape jelly
  • 1 (12-oz) jar Chili Sauce

Instructions:

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Simmer 25-30 minutes, until meatballs are warmed through.
  • If using a slow cooker, heat the meatballs for 1-2 hours.

Notes:

  • I used 1/2-ounce frozen meatballs. There is no need to thaw the meatballs before cooking.
  • For the chili sauce, look for Heinz Chili Sauce. It is near the ketchup at the store.
  • Can I make Grape Jelly Meatballs in the oven? Sure! Combine all the ingredients and bake according to the package directions.
  • You can reheat leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker.

Steph

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Comments

  1. Delicious! Also great with seedless raspberry jam and chili sauce. I put all in a slow cooker or in a large enough pot on low heat. Cook everything low and slow and let it gently mix.

  2. Hey, Stephanie! I plan to make these for our work tailgate tomorrow! I was planning on just bringing in my crockpot to plug in… would you sugeest 1-2 hours on high or low? Thank you!

  3. My version is a little bit different as well. I use bbq sauce like a previous poster but some mustard along with it. Mine always go in the slow cooker but I have to have it in there for at least 8 hours even though they are frozen meatballs. Mainly because the longer they have been in the sauce cooking the better it taste in my opinion.

  4. Hey there
    Steph,
    Am thinking about trying these and just happen to have frozen balls in my freezer although they are Italian style, did you ever use them in this recipe?

  5. i make these all the time, but instead i use whole jellied cranberries, pasta sauce, saurkraut, & brown . throw it all in a slow cooker comes out delicious! I'm not a fan of saurkraut or cranberries by themselves, but combined it makes a surprisingly good meatball sauce

  6. I haven't had these in years! We did the grape jelly with Heinz Chile sauce and with Sweet Baby Rays. Also added some hot pepper jelly to it like Lynn Huntley does. Gives a nice zing to some of the batches.

  7. I remember having these at parties in the 1970s (Yikes! That long ago? LOL) The sauce is also very good to pour over a meatloaf and bake.

  8. My mother used to make meatballs very similar to these! Wow, I hadn't thought about those in a while. Instant craving!

  9. I have made made these many times, but have never used frozen meatballs before…great idea:) I like to add 1/3 cup hot pepper jelly the sauce! Nice and spicy:)

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