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.
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!
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.
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 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
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.
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!
What to serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs?
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party
- With steamed rice
- Over mashed potatoes
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Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 32 oz. bag frozen meatballs I use homestyle
- 20 oz. grape jelly I use Welch's
- 12 oz. Heinz chili sauce
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.
How to Video:
Sarah’s Notes:
- 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.
- Strawberry jam or jelly
- Apple jelly
- Raspberry jam or preserves
- Ketchup – add a touch of onion, garlic and chili powder.
- Barbecue sauce – any kind will work.
- 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.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party
- With steamed rice
- Over mashed potatoes
- 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:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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 Meatballs and Little Smokies – Both of best worlds!
- 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
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
Anne byrnes says
Can I cook it slow in a regular pot?
Sarah Olson says
I don’t see why not, though you’ll need to stir often.
Terri says
These are awesome!!
Denise S says
I’m thinking this would be good with hot pepper jelly……
Haley says
I want to make this with gardein plant based frozen meatballs. Has anyone ever tried with plant based frozen meatballs and does it work?
Joseph says
Heh! My associate team lead at the grocery store LIVES for spicy stuff so she’d likely use that bottle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce in these LOL! Me I’ve got an old man’s digestive system now so it’ll be mild for me 😛
rose says
Will this work with uncooked frozen chicken meatballs?
Sarah Olson says
If the frozen meatballs say they are precooked that should work fine. If they are raw meat, I would cook longer.
Ituk says
I like to cook longer anyways for at least 5 hrs so the meat just melts in my mouth. Cooking only 3 hrs just doesnt get rid oh the rubbery texture of ground beef.
Laura says
Can I use garlic chili sauce
Sarah Olson says
You can, but I would use near as much. I would add a tablespoon at time into the jelly and taste.
DeAnn says
Can I use Swedish meatballs in this recipe?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, those will work fine.
Rhonda says
Can I use Welch’s grape spread instead of the jelly?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, that works fine!
karen says
Can left over grape jelly chilli sauce be saved to use another date?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, in the fridge, I would say it would be good after a few weeks.
Julie says
Can ir be reheated?
Sarah Olson says
Yes! They reheat great.
Ann says
Can I use sugar free jelly/jam?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, that will work fine.