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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 May 9, 2022 57 Comments

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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 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 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

4.96 from 69 votes
Classic recipe for meatballs made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly and chili sauce.
Print Pin Rate
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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    49310 shares
    • 36134

    Filed Under: Appetizers

    Comments

    1. Sally A Ballenger says

      December 23, 2020 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      Awesome flavor! I made these for my office luncheon and everyone loves them and asking for the recipe!! Yummo.

      Reply
    2. Tanya M Spiker says

      December 21, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      Can we add some A1 to the meatballs with the grape jelly and sweet chili sauce to give it pop. If so how much of it to add to crockpot. I make it the original way but would like to add A1.
      Thank you kindly,
      Tanya

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 22, 2020 at 8:37 am

        I would do 1 tablespoon.

        Reply
    3. Heather says

      December 1, 2020 at 8:48 am

      I have a weird question/issue. This is the same recipe someone else gave me after trying their meatballs & loving them. I’ve made them several times but it’s just not the same. Theirs the sauce like, sunk into the meatball if that makes sense. When I make them it’s not like that it’s just the brown meatball when cutting into it & not as flavorful. Any idea what they may have done different?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 1, 2020 at 9:34 am

        Hi! My guess is there meatballs sat longer in the sauce. Possibly cook them on low for much longer and they should soak up the sauce more like you want.

        Reply
        • Trish says

          December 5, 2020 at 8:57 am

          Every time I make them the sauce is very runny. Is there anyway to thicken it without losing the taste?

        • Sarah Olson says

          December 5, 2020 at 9:23 am

          You could try a cornstarch slurry. Probably 2 tablespoons cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add it after its done cooking and add the lid back on. It will take a about 15 mins for it to thicken.

    4. Matt says

      November 24, 2020 at 11:41 am

      5 stars
      These are amazingly delicious and a cheap, easy way to impress guests at parties or on holidays. A friend introduced me to this recipe years ago and I had completely forgotten about it until now. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike!

      Reply
    5. Terri says

      November 24, 2020 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      I make these often and for every game night , there a big hit

      Reply
    6. Ellyn says

      October 19, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      Can you double the batch of this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 19, 2020 at 8:35 pm

        Yes, that will work fine.

        Reply
    7. Charlene says

      August 14, 2020 at 7:09 am

      Can you make them the day before and put on low prior to serving?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 14, 2020 at 6:55 pm

        No, I would thaw the meatballs then it will cook faster the day you want them.

        Reply
    8. Mhairi says

      August 4, 2020 at 12:45 pm

      Do the frozen meatballs have to be cooked ?.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 4, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        Most frozen meatballs are already cooked and the slow cooker will thaw and heat them up.

        Reply
    9. Joan says

      July 31, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      I’ve used a similar recipe for years, but we use Little Smokies instead of meatballs. Boil them for a few minutes to pull out some of the fat. Also a slightly different ratio: 2 bottles of chili sauce, 12-16 oz of grape jelly. It’s our Thanksgiving/Christmas standard.

      Reply
      • Maria C Casas says

        August 8, 2020 at 2:31 pm

        5 stars
        In Puerto Rico we use guava jelly for these meatballs and for little sausages or sliced hot dogs. Sometimes to perk them up we add a tablespoon of mustard!
        They are sss good! Que

        Reply
        • Sarah Olson says

          August 8, 2020 at 8:03 pm

          Great ideas Maria, thank you!

      • KAT TEE says

        November 21, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        How much lil smokies, please

        Reply
      • Julz says

        December 18, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        5 stars
        I had a friend that used little smokies too. Thanks for the ratio & boiling tip!! What amount of smokies plz?

        Reply
        • Jayne says

          February 7, 2021 at 7:25 pm

          About 2 small bags or 1 large

    10. BJ says

      July 29, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been making this for years. It’s 1 of my most popular appetizers.

      Reply
    11. Penny says

      May 9, 2020 at 4:15 am

      These are quick and very tasty

      Reply
    12. Ezra Gouin says

      February 3, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      My great grandmother has passed down her grape jelly meatballs recipe for generations and my mom and I make them every year for Thanksgiving they’re the best! I didn’t even know there was a recipe online for them cause when I’d mention the recipe people would think I was crazy for putting grape jelly with meatballs until they tried it

      Reply
    13. dianne says

      January 26, 2020 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious!

      Reply
    14. Anonymous says

      January 25, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      I make these everychristmasEve. Favourite dish everyone wants

      Reply
    15. Dave Brooks. Dave's camping and hiking Oregon says

      January 25, 2020 at 1:36 pm

      5 stars
      Always waiting for your next recipe!

      Reply
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