These Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory! Made with juicy meatballs simmered in a tangy grape jelly sauce, they are easy to love.
They’re a big hit at parties, and honestly, they disappear fast! I like serving them with toothpicks so guests can snack while mingling—makes it feel like a fun get-together!
With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can whip these up. It’s so simple; I just mix them up, set the timer, and relax while they cook—all the flavor with zero stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs for convenience, but if you prefer homemade, go for it! Turkey, beef, or chicken meatballs all work well. Sometimes, I mix different types for added flavor.
Grape Jelly: This is key for that sweet flavor. If you’re not a fan of grape, try peach or apricot jelly for a unique twist!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce that matches your taste. Sweet, tangy, or smoky all bring their own flair. You can even mix two for a custom blend!
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices add depth. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onions work too! Just remember to adjust the quantities since fresh takes more space.
How Do I Make Sure the Meatballs Are Cooked Evenly?
Cooking meatballs in a crockpot can be easy, but you want them cooked uniformly. Here’s how:
- Start with frozen meatballs. Don’t thaw them; just plop them directly into the crockpot.
- Mix your sauce thoroughly before pouring it over the meatballs. This ensures even coverage.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re around, stirring every couple of hours helps coat every meatball with flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer if unsure; meatballs should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Make Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and sets up in the crockpot for 4 to 6 hours. Just mix the sauce ingredients, add the meatballs, and let your slow cooker do the work. Perfect for a fuss-free meal or a tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This tasty sauce will add great flavor to your meatballs!
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to get those meatballs into the crockpot! Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour your delicious grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture over the meatballs. Make sure they’re all coated nicely with the sauce!
3. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for about 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the meatballs will heat through and soak up all those yummy flavors. If you can, give them a little stir every now and then to help keep them evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When the meatballs are done cooking and your sauce is hot and bubbly, you’re ready to serve! You can serve them right from the crockpot. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Provide toothpicks for easy serving, and enjoy your delicious bites as an appetizer or part of a meal!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh meatballs, you can reduce the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours on low heat. Just make sure they’re cooked through before serving. You can also brown them in a skillet first for added flavor before adding them to the crockpot.
What If I Don’t Have Grape Jelly?
No problem! You can substitute grape jelly with other fruit jellies like cranberry, apricot, or even apple jelly. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be delicious. You could also use a mix of grape jelly and a tangy condiment like mustard for a unique twist!
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them on medium, or place them back in the crockpot on low until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re cooled completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the grape jelly and barbecue sauce mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick!
