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Grape Jelly Meatballs

Featured in Perfect Party Bites and Snack Recipes.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that seems fancy but requires minimal effort? These Grape Jelly Meatballs are the answer. The unexpected combination of sweet grape jelly and tangy chili sauce creates an irresistible glaze that transforms simple homemade meatballs into something special. The magic happens when these two ingredients meld together in the slow cooker, creating a sticky, glossy sauce that coats each savory meatball perfectly. While they sound unusual, the flavor is universally appealing - sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Prep the meatballs ahead of time, then let your slow cooker do the work while you handle other tasks. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or potlucks, but also make a satisfying dinner served over rice. The best part? They disappear quickly, with everyone asking for your secret recipe.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:55:32 GMT
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These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a timeless party appetizer that's always a crowd-pleaser. With a simple two-ingredient sauce and homemade meatballs, they're incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Ground Beef (90% Lean Recommended): Provides a flavorful and tender base for the meatballs.
  • Plain Breadcrumbs and Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
  • Finely Minced or Grated Onion and Minced Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the meatballs.
  • Salt, Pepper, and Chopped Parsley: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
  • Chili Sauce (Heinz Recommended): Provides a tangy and slightly spicy base for the sauce.
  • Grape Jelly: Adds a sweet and fruity element to the sauce.
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Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Preparing the Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt the grape jelly by microwaving it in 30-second increments or melting it in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the jelly is melted, whisk in the chili sauce.
Slow Cooking the Meatballs:
Coat a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the cooked meatballs to the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over them. Gently toss to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
Serving the Meatballs:
Sprinkle with parsley before serving. Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes or rice as a main course.

These grape jelly meatballs have become a staple at my parties. They're always a hit, and I love how easy they are to prepare. I appreciate the versatility of this recipe, allowing me to experiment with different meats and sauces.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs with toothpicks as an appetizer. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta as a main course.

Creative Variations

Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination for the meatballs. Substitute ketchup or BBQ sauce for chili sauce. Use apple jelly, apricot preserves (pureed), orange marmalade, or jellied cranberry sauce for the grape jelly. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

These grape jelly meatballs are a fantastic and flavorful appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can broil the meatballs up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply place them in the slow cooker with the sauce and heat until warmed through.
→ What exactly is chili sauce? Is it the same as sweet chili sauce?
The chili sauce used in this recipe is American-style chili sauce (like Heinz brand), which is similar to ketchup but with a slightly spicier, more complex flavor. It's not the same as Asian sweet chili sauce or hot sauce. Look for it near the ketchup in grocery stores.
→ Can I use a different type of jelly or jam?
Yes! While grape jelly is traditional, you can experiment with other smooth jellies or jams. Apricot preserves, apple jelly, or currant jelly all work well. Avoid chunky preserves as they won't melt smoothly into the sauce.
→ What can I serve with grape jelly meatballs?
As an appetizer, serve them with toothpicks on a platter. For a meal, serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad balances the sweetness of the sauce.
→ Can I make these without a slow cooker?
Yes! After broiling the meatballs, you can simmer them in the sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also bake them in the sauce in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

Sweet and Tangy Cocktail Meatballs

These Grape Jelly Meatballs feature homemade beef meatballs slow-cooked in a surprisingly delicious sweet and tangy sauce made with just grape jelly and chili sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
190 Minutes
Total Time
205 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the meatballs

01 2 pounds ground beef
02 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 2 eggs
04 3 tablespoons finely minced or grated onion
05 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon pepper
08 2 tablespoons parsley
09 cooking spray

→ For the sauce

10 12 ounce bottle chili sauce (such as Heinz brand)
11 1 1/2 cups grape jelly

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 03

Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Broil for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside.

Step 04

While the meatballs are cooking, melt the grape jelly in the microwave using 30-second increments or in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the chili sauce until smoothly combined.

Step 05

Coat a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the broiled meatballs to the slow cooker, then pour the grape jelly sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure all meatballs are coated with sauce.

Step 06

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley as garnish.

Notes

  1. 90% lean ground beef works best for these meatballs.
  2. For uniform meatballs, use a tablespoon measuring spoon or small cookie scoop.
  3. You can substitute 2 pounds of frozen meatballs if pressed for time - no need to thaw them first.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker/Crock Pot
  • Sheet pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 357
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 26 g