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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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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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    49309 shares
    • 36134

    Filed Under: Appetizers

    Comments

    1. Alyssa says

      January 23, 2022 at 12:42 pm

      How can I make the sauce thicker?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 23, 2022 at 3:46 pm

        You could add a tablespoon of cold water to a tablespoon of cornstarch, mix well and add to the sauce in the slow cooker. It’s not supposed to be too thick, the longer it cooks they will get darker and soak up the sauce.

        Reply
    2. Kristine Champion says

      December 30, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      If you cook on low for 4-5 hours can you still leave it in the crockpot on low for 3 + hrs. I’m worried about food born illness.. is it better to cook on high?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 30, 2021 at 9:51 pm

        Yes, the warm setting is over 140 degrees which keeps it at a safe temperature to eat.

        Reply
    3. Amber says

      September 15, 2021 at 6:12 am

      So Easy and Delicious ! Family Loved it . My picky 14 year old son is requesting this again tonight. Thank You!

      Reply
    4. Wendy says

      August 31, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      Do you think these could be a freezer dump meal?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 1, 2021 at 11:09 am

        You could with no problems.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          September 1, 2021 at 5:32 pm

          Thanks!!

    5. Ken says

      August 6, 2021 at 10:52 am

      I want to double the recipe for a party. (Two 32 oz bags of meatballs) How much grape jelly and chili sauce do I need and how long to cook at Low?

      Reply
    6. Jo says

      June 11, 2021 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      Made with about 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce, the rest ketchup, and then I didn’t have grape jelly (and couldn’t find any at the store), so used whatever jam I had on hand (homemade….think it was a mixed berry jam). Still turned out amazing with a perfect amount of spice. Kids devoured it!

      Reply
    7. My Moor says

      May 3, 2021 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Great Recipe and easy and tasty. First time I tasted it … at a gathering …. couldn”t believe the combination !! Everybody loved it.
      Instead of chili sauce …. bottled salsa … mild or med. Add red bell pepper for color or canned pineapple chunks. And i serve it with rice. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    8. Sheri says

      May 3, 2021 at 8:43 am

      I do this recipe but I use a jar of salsa instead of chili sauce

      Reply
    9. Charlotte says

      May 3, 2021 at 7:55 am

      WE love this recipe – it was used as part of the food for both of our daughters weddings! And that was 25+ years ago!
      It is a keeper

      Reply
    10. Tricia says

      February 11, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      To do this recipe with frozen meatless meatballs, what cooking time adjustments (if any) should be made? And are there any other recipe adjustments/tips you’d give when using frozen meatless meatballs?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 11, 2021 at 5:05 pm

        Hi! I believe the times will be the same. I think it will be great.

        Reply
    11. Joy hoy says

      January 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Hi im guessing you make the jelly up to liquid so theres plenty of sauce, its looks and sounds delicious

      Reply
    12. Sheri W says

      December 29, 2020 at 1:57 pm

      How much chili sauce and grape jelly for a 48oz bag meatballs?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 29, 2020 at 2:31 pm

        Hi Sherry! I think you can get away with the same amount of grape jelly and chili sauce that is in this recipe. There is plenty of extra sauce.

        Reply
    13. Charla says

      December 26, 2020 at 9:27 am

      I’ve made these for years, both with meatballs and small smokies or cocktail wieners. But I always add 3-4 Tablespoons of mustard. It kicks it up a notch.

      Reply
    14. Suzanne says

      December 25, 2020 at 8:33 pm

      I am making only half of the recipe. Should I vary the time setting for cooking as well as the time as well? Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 26, 2020 at 8:36 am

        Probably a half an hour less.

        Reply
    15. Linda says

      December 25, 2020 at 9:46 am

      I use turkey meatballs, cranberry sauce, and chili sauce. You can always use veggie meatballs, too.

      Reply
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