Only three ingredients required to make this classic holiday appetizer! Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs take only minutes to prepare and get devoured every time they are served.
Maybe these are not the latest trend or even a unique idea, but these Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are worth sharing. Why? These meatballs are quick, easy and to be totally honest, are a hit every single time.
If you're looking for something super easy to serve this holiday season, don't overlook these tasty little meatball treats! Every time I make them, they disappear.
These meatballs are perfect for busy holiday entertaining because there is no prep work required. Simply add the frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce and jelly to the slow cooker and let everything heat through.
What do you need to make grape jelly meatballs?
For one recipe you will need a 2 quart slow cooker. The great news is this is easy to double, triple or quadruple. Just increase your slow cooker to a 4, 6 or 8 quart size.
Even more fun is when you serve them up in a festive little slow cooker like this one! Having one or two smaller slow cookers like this if you like to entertain is a lifesaver.
A great investment because they are inexpensive enough yet cute and perfect for not only a batch of meatballs but also for some Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip or some Corn and Jalapeno Dip as well!
Why are meatballs in the slow cooker so perfect for entertaining?
Whether it's a hot summer day or a snowy holiday gathering, meatballs are the perfect thing to serve because:
- they are filling
- they are easy to eat with a toothpick
- the frozen ones are tasty and easy to heat
- it's easy to make a simple sauce and you can customize it any way you want!
Are there ways to customize this recipe?
Everyone has their own take on these little treats, from chili sauce to ketchup to all flavors of jelly.
Try the following pairing instead of BBQ sauce and grape jelly:
- chili sauce and apricot preserves
- ketchup and grape jelly
- bbq sauce and blueberry or strawberry jam
Go wild and and try out different combos or stick to the classic, I don't think you'll be disappointed. My version happens to use my favorite BBQ sauce along with grape jelly.
Tips for the best meatballs:
- Make sure to grab homestyle and not Italian style meatballs and no matter the sauce, they will turn out amazing
- Watch the slow cooker and stir occasionally so that the meatballs and sauce don't burn (anything on the bottom or sides will cook a little faster)
- You can use regular jelly or jam or the no sugar added versions. If using the kind with sugar it may burn a little faster, so just keep an eye on it.
FAQ's about this recipe:
- leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered loosely with paper towel in microwave
- I don't recommend freezing leftovers unless you use fresh meatballs to make them
Did you make these? Be sure to drop a comment below and let me know if you loved them!
Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
- 2 quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen homestyle meatballs
- .5 cup BBQ sauce
- .5 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Add meatballs to slow cooker
- Top with BBQ sauce and jelly and stir
- Cook on high until heated through (about 2 hours) or on low for about 4 hours, stir occasionally
Notes
- this is easy to double, triple or quadruple just increase your slow cooker to a 4, 6 or 8 quart size
- swap out bbq sauce for chili sauce or ketchup to mix up flavors
- swap out grape jelly for another flavor and feel free to use a no sugar added version as well
- Make sure to grab homestyle and not Italian style meatballs and no matter the sauce, they will turn out amazing
- Watch the slow cooker and stir occasionally so that the meatballs and sauce don't burn (anything on the bottom or sides will cook a little faster)
- leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered loosely with paper towel in microwave
- I don't recommend freezing leftovers unless you use fresh meatballs to make them
How do you thicken the sauce 🤔
I don't find it usually needs to be thickened, but if you do you could add a little cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons with 2 tablespoons water and then stir it in and let it heat through.
Can you use turkey frozen balls. instead of the beef? thanks
Sure! It may change the flavor a bit but should work!
Could veggie meatballs be used instead?
I think that should work!
I Have made these meatballs for over twenty-five years, every holiday. I use chill sauce and grape jelly
So good aren't they!!
Hi for us overseas followers (non usa) can you advise if grape jelly is grape jam? Also cant seem to find this type of jam, what flavours do you recommend as a substitute?
Love the site.
Hi Ian! You could use grape jam as long as it's seedless or any seedless jam like raspberry or blueberry. You could also use currant jelly or apple jelly. Let me know if that helps!
I have Italian frozen meatballs, will that change the taste to not so good?
I don't love the flavor of Italian meatballs with the grape jelly sauce. But of course, everyone's tastes are different so feel free to give it a try!
Always devoured !
That's what I love to hear!
Would love to try the recipe but confused on measurement of bbq sauce and jelly. It looks like half cup (.5) each but doesn't seem to be enough. Please advise. Thank you
1/2 cup each is correct. Feel free to add more to your liking!
I’ve made these for dinner. On rolls or even over rice. The family loves them and their so easy when you have no idea what to make
These look like the perfect party bite, Thanks for sharing!
So simple yet so delicious! These have always been one of my favorite appetizers. My only problem with them is that I have a tendency to eat way too many of them!