Name: Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen meatballs; 12 ounces chili sauce; 1 1/2 cups grape jelly

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Introduction

This classic recipe for Grape Jelly Meatballs is a delicious and effortless crowd-pleaser. Sweet and tangy, these meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish served over rice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty dish ready in a slow cooker.

A white bowl filled with many small, shiny meatballs coated in a thick, dark brown sauce. The meatballs have a smooth, glossy texture with slight reflections from the sauce, and they are piled high, filling the bowl close to the top. The background shows a blurred wooden surface, focusing attention on the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds frozen meatballs
12 ounces chili sauce

1 1/2 cups grape jelly

Instructions

Step 1: Add the chili sauce and grape jelly to a slow cooker. Stir well to combine the two ingredients into a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.

Step 4: Serve the meatballs warm as a tasty appetizer or spoon them over rice to create a satisfying main dish.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Try using homemade meatballs or turkey meatballs for a different flavor and texture.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer the sauce and meatballs on the stove over low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image of three shiny meatballs covered in a thick, dark brown sauce, each pierced by a thin toothpick, with the closest meatball in sharp focus and the other two blurred behind it. The meatballs sit on a smooth white plate, placed on a white marbled surface, showing the glossy texture and rich color of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used as well. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker or cook them longer until heated through.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are cooked and the sauce thickens.