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Just three ingredients to make our sweet and savory crock pot grape jelly meatballs – minutes to prep for the perfect dinner or appetizer!

Grape Jelly Meatballs piled on a plate and topped with sliced green onions.
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Meatballs with Grape Jelly

We’ve been long-time fans of meatballs and think they are the PERFECT appetizer for a large gathering.

Yes, we often make them for dinner at home too, but if you are looking for a simple yet delicious recipe to make for your next event, try our favorite crock pot grape jelly meatballs!

Grape jelly may not be the first ingredient you think pairing with meatballs, but let me tell you – it’s the perfect addition. What’s even more AMAZING, it only requires 3 ingredients – grape jelly, meatballs, and Heinz Chili Sauce. It also only takes a few minutes of prep time. You can’t beat that!

For more favorites, try our Crockpot Meatballs and Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Only 3 ingredients! It doesn’t get much easier than that!
  • The slow cooker does all the work. Just dump and cook – there’s only 5 minutes of prep work!
  • No stress. This easy appetizer is perfect for parties and holidays. It’s simple and leaves the oven open for other dishes.
Frozen meatballs on table.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Grape Jelly – or red currant, peach jelly, apple jelly, orange marmalade, or apricot preserves
  • 12 ounces Chili Sauce – or ketchup or barbecue sauce
  • 32 ounces frozen meatballs – Use any type of meatball, from Italian pork meatballs to turkey meatballs, we typically use beef. If using homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet first.
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, optional

How Much to Make?

  • When serving as an appetizer plan for each person to have 3-4.
  • When serving as a main dish plan for each person to have about 8 meatballs. 

How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs

  1. SAUCE. Add 16 ounces of grape jelly, 12 ounces of chili sauce, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes making sure the mixture is well combined.
    • To save time skip this step and add these directly on top of the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  2. COOK. Place 32 ounces of frozen meatballs in a slow cooker and top with the grape jelly mixture (for less mess use a crock pot liner). Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Stir every hour or so to make sure everything is cooked evenly.

Instant Pot Directions

  • Add the frozen meatballs to the instant pot and pour the grape jelly, chili sauce, and ½ cup of water over the meatballs.
  • Seal the lid on and set the “pressure cook” button for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 7-8 minutes for the pressure to build up enough then the timer will start its 5-minute countdown.
  • When the timer is done, press cancel to turn off the pot and quickly release the pressure. 
    Close up of grape jelly meatballs.

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    5 from 132 votes

    Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

    By: Lil’ Luna
    Just three ingredients to make our sweet and savory crock pot grape jelly meatballs – minutes to prep for the perfect dinner or appetizer!
    Servings: 6
    Prep: 5 minutes
    Cook: 3 hours 5 minutes
    Total: 3 hours 10 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 16 ounces Grape Jelly
    • 12 ounces Chili Sauce
    • 32 ounces frozen meatballs
    • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, optional

    Instructions 

    • Add grape jelly, chili sauce, and cayenne pepper to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes making sure the mixture is well combined.
      To save time skip this step and add these directly on top of the meatballs in the slow cooker for a more speedy process.
    • Place meatballs in a slow cooker and top with grape jelly mixture (for less mess use a crock pot liner).
    • Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.

    Video

    Notes

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 4 months. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6g, Calories: 660kcal, Carbohydrates: 63g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 869mg, Potassium: 702mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 44g, Vitamin A: 403IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 48mg, Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Recipe FAQ

    How to thicken the glaze?

    In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons water and pour into the saucepan. Simmer and mix until the sauce thickens to your liking, then add to the crockpot.

    How to store grape jelly meatballs?

    Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 4 months. 

    About Kristyn

    My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

    So Easy & So Yummy

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    5 from 132 votes (109 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    37 Comments

    1. Beth Lageose says:

      Sauce was not thick, very runny. I prefer the sauce to be more of a glaze. Won’t make again.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try!

    2. Solange says:

      Love your recipes they are wonderful and easy to make.
      😊 Thanks.

    3. Ubaidullah Rasheed says:

      5 stars
      Awesome recipe I loved it

    4. Jm says:

      This came out too liquefied. Assuming I needed more jelly. Thought would thicken after cooling but didn’t.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try! Another tip to thicken the sauce: You can take about ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and add it to a pot on the stove. Add a tablespoon of corn starch. Cook and mix until the sauce thickens. Add more corn starch if needed and mix back into the crock pot sauce. Hope that helps!

    5. Bonnie says:

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good, at first I thought the combination of sauce might not taste so good. But it is really good.