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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Appetizers » Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

by Sarah Olson on January 23, 2020 | Updated October 2, 2022 73 Comments

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  • 36466
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collage of grape jelly meatballs with the ingredients in text.
collage of grape jelly photos for pinterest

Only three ingredients to make these easy Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs! Great for any party.

Frozen meatballs are easily made in the slow cooker, besides this easy recipe I love to make barbecue meatballs, cranberry meatballs, and meatball subs.

slow cooker full of grape jelly meatballs with spoon in them

My go-to meatball recipe has always been with barbecue sauce until I tried crockpot grape jelly meatballs! What amazing flavor these meatballs have. I can’t just eat one but MUST go back for many plates of these. You can also use this recipe to make Grape Jelly Little Smokies!

ingredients for grape jelly meatballs; grape jelly chili sauce, frozen meatballs

How to make Grape Jelly Meatballs:

  • Grape Jelly – Grape jelly (I use Welch’s) is the magic ingredient in this recipe. It is not overpowering, it’s a subtle flavor and add sweetness to the recipe.
  • Chili Sauce – Look for Heinz or the store brand
  • Meatballs – These are found in the frozen section in your store.
meatballs, grape jelly, heinz chili sauce in crockpot before cooking.

What is chili sauce?

  • There are different types of chili sauce, the one in this recipe is near the ketchup in your grocery store (I use Heinz chili sauce).
  • Heinz chili sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, sweet peppers, and aromatic spices
  • DO NOT use sriracha hot chili sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce unless you want it to be VERY spicy.
finished meatballs in grape jelly and chili sauce

Can I use a different type of Jelly?

Yes, use a jelly, jam or preserves. Here are some great altertives to grape jelly:

  • Strawberry jam or jelly
  • Apple jelly
  • Raspberry jam or preserves
grape jelly meatballs cooked in the slow cooker

What can I use instead of chili sauce?

Chili sauce works best for this recipe if you can’t find it or in a pinch and can’t get to the store you can substitute with one of these:

  • Ketchup – add a touch of onion, garlic and chili powder.
  • Barbecue sauce – any kind will work.

My store doesn’t carry 32 ounce bags of meatballs what can I use?

  • This recipe is very flexible! You can use a slightly smaller bag or two bags that equal a little more than 32 ounces.
  • Will work fine, there is plenty of sauce in this recipe.
2 white bowls with meatballs in them

Can I use turkey meatballs or Italian style meatballs?

  • Any style of frozen meatball can be used in this recipe such as Italian, angus or even turkey.
  • If you are looking for a healthier meatball try Trader Joe’s brand.
  • You can even use meatless meatballs in this recipe!
grape jelly meatballs plated

What to serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs?

  • Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party
  • With steamed rice
  • Over mashed potatoes

More meatball recipes to make in the crockpot:

  • Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs – just as easy as this recipe!
  • Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs – GREAT with egg noodles.
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs – Homemade and great for school night dinners.
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs – Same veggies as Chinese restaurants!
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs – just three ingredients!
  • Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs (by Tornado Ali) – great over rice for a main meal

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

grape jelly meatballs cooked in the slow cooker

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

4.98 from 101 votes
Classic recipe for meatballs made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly and chili sauce.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 32 oz. bag frozen meatballs I use homestyle
  • 20 oz. grape jelly I use Welch's
  • 12 oz. Heinz chili sauce
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Put the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce.
  • Stir until the meatballs are coated in the grape and chili sauce mixture.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours. Stirring occasionally so the meatballs won't burn on the edges.

Keeping the grape jelly meatballs warm at a party:

  • Turn the slow cooker to warm. Can be kept warm at a party for 3+ hours. Stir often, and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

 
What is chili sauce?
  • There are different types of chili sauce, the one in this recipe is near the ketchup in your grocery store (I use Heinz chili sauce).
  • Heinz chili sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, sweet peppers, and aromatic spices
  • DO NOT use sriracha hot chili sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce unless you want it to be VERY spicy.
 
Can I use a different type of jam?
Yes, one of these jams or jellies can be used instead of grape jelly:
  • Strawberry jam or jelly
  • Apple jelly
  • Raspberry jam or preserves
 
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
Chili sauce works best in this recipe, if you can’t make it to the store and are in a pinch you can use one of these options:
  • Ketchup – add a touch of onion, garlic and chili powder.
  • Barbecue sauce – any kind will work.
 
I can’t find a 32-ounce bag of frozen meatballs?
  • This recipe is very flexible! You can use a slightly smaller bag or two bags that equal a little more than 32 ounces.
  • Will work fine, there is plenty of sauce in this recipe.
 
What to serve with grape jelly meatballs?
  • Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party
  • With steamed rice
  • Over mashed potatoes
 
Can I use a different type of meatball?
  • Any style of frozen meatball can be used in this recipe such as Italian, Angus or even turkey.
  • If you are looking for a healthier meatball try Trader Joe’s brand.
  • You can even use meatless meatballs in this recipe!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 252mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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    52019 shares
    • 36466

    Filed Under: Appetizers

    Comments

    1. DeAnn says

      December 31, 2022 at 11:00 am

      Can I use Swedish meatballs in this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 31, 2022 at 2:10 pm

        Yes, those will work fine.

        Reply
    2. Rhonda says

      December 22, 2022 at 11:45 am

      Can I use Welch’s grape spread instead of the jelly?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 22, 2022 at 12:30 pm

        Yes, that works fine!

        Reply
    3. karen says

      November 25, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      Can left over grape jelly chilli sauce be saved to use another date?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 25, 2022 at 7:54 pm

        Yes, in the fridge, I would say it would be good after a few weeks.

        Reply
    4. Julie says

      November 17, 2022 at 11:56 am

      Can ir be reheated?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 17, 2022 at 1:02 pm

        Yes! They reheat great.

        Reply
    5. Ann says

      November 15, 2022 at 4:42 pm

      Can I use sugar free jelly/jam?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 15, 2022 at 5:18 pm

        Yes, that will work fine.

        Reply
    6. Ciera says

      October 13, 2022 at 7:02 am

      To double the recipe is the cook time the same?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 13, 2022 at 8:28 am

        Yeah, the same amount of time will work great.

        Reply
      • Barb says

        December 16, 2022 at 4:21 am

        This was my question as well. I’m making mine tomorrow and want leftovers

        Reply
    7. Teresa says

      July 17, 2022 at 2:38 pm

      Love this recipe. If I make them a day ahead can I reheat in the crockpot for a pot luck the next day

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        July 17, 2022 at 10:11 pm

        No, it rages just as long to reheat than cookZ if you want to speed up the time. Thaw the meatballs.

        Reply
    8. Patsy says

      June 26, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been searching for this Recipe! I’ve always enjoyed them at Parties! The 4th of July is coming up and I’ve got my crock pot ready! I always throw a big Table of everything out! There’s something for everyone! But these little meat balls are my Favorite! I usually can’t stop eating them! Oh Well The 4th only comes once a year! But I do like the Idea of Cranberry sauce at Xmas! Thank you! I can’t wait to have my fill! : – )

      Reply
    9. Joanne Martin says

      May 1, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      2 stars
      Taste was yummy, but result was soupy. Tried both ways. Frozen into crock and then baked meatballs first into crock. Maybe it’s my crock but nobody wants a meatball soup.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 1, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        If you are serving these as a main and want the sauce thicker, you could thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry. I’ve never noticed them being soupy for we eat one at a time with a toothpick, we don’t spoon out any sauce.

        Reply
    10. Julie says

      April 7, 2022 at 9:11 pm

      Can I use jam instead of jelly?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 8, 2022 at 9:44 am

        Yes! You can’t mess up this recipe. I’ve even used cranberry sauce.

        Reply
    11. Sara says

      February 12, 2022 at 8:37 am

      Can I use sugar free strawberry jam.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 12, 2022 at 8:54 am

        I don’t see why not!

        Reply
        • Julie says

          February 19, 2022 at 2:05 pm

          What about just using a couple of pounds of ground beef & just making Sloppy Joes? Or does this make too much sauce for that?

        • Sarah Olson says

          February 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

          It may be too much. You could add your meat first, then slowly add the sauce.

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