During the holiday season, many of my meals are really just a selection of great appetizers. The same principle applies to football Sundays, come to think of it. 😀
Having a super easy meatball recipe helps with this. And I can’t think of an easier one than this one: Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs.
This is a pretty old recipe that has updated ingredients, but the simple approach still works great!
And the sauce, with its surprising combination of ingredients, is truly delicious. There's a reason it continues to be popular year after year!
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These Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce are deliciously simple!
- Ridiculously Easy: Three ingredients and minimal effort. Add everything to a slow cooker and let the crockpot heat it through.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, pair them with sides for a meal, or add them to a potluck spread.
- Crowd Favorite: The sweet-and-savory flavor combo is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These meatballs are great for prepping in advance, and you have plenty of flexibility on the timing.
What you'll need for Grape Jelly Meatballs (3 Ingredients!)
- Meatballs – make your own or buy pre-made
- BBQ sauce – I use Sweet Baby Rays, see options below
- Grape Jelly
That’s it – I’m sorry, I just can’t make this any easier.
How to make BBQ Meatballs
If you are picky about your meatballs, I encourage you to make your own. I used my Freezer Meatballs recipe, just increased the meat to 2 pounds so I’d have more meatballs. These can be made ahead of time so they are ready when needed. Or, as mentioned, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store. Either way, you can start with frozen meatballs to make this recipe.
- First add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce to the slow cooker and stir. Then, add the frozen meatballs and stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on high for 3-3 ½ hours, stirring about halfway. The sauce will be bubbling when the mixture is ready.
- Once everything is heated through, be sure to turn the slow cooker to a much lower setting. This will help prevent the sauce from tasting “burned” from all the sugar in the jelly and BBQ sauce.
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BBQ Meatball Recipe variations
What can I substitute for the grape jelly?
Apple jelly is an excellent substitute for the grape. Raspberry or strawberry jam can also be used.
Can I use strawberry jelly instead of grape for meatballs?
Yes, strawberry jelly can be substituted. The sweetness will be a little different but still delicious. You could also try other flavors – apricot preserves are a favorite of mine and I think they’d be awesome in this recipe.
What can I substitute for the BBQ sauce?
This recipe was originally popular when I was a kid (so a LONG time ago) using chili sauce in place of the BBQ sauce. Feel free to use chili sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the Sweet Baby Rays.
What to serve with BBQ Jelly Meatballs
Of course, these meatballs will fit in with any appetizer spread. I also enjoy them as a meal, and I like to serve them with rice and a veggie side and/or salad.
How to store BBQ Meatballs
Once the meatballs have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze, they can be kept for up to 3 months.
FAQs for these Jelly Meatballs
To make this even quicker, start with thawed meatballs. You can also place the jelly and BBQ sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a minute or two in the microwave before adding to the crockpot, but I’m not sure that would have much effect. The biggest factor is the temperature of the meatballs, if they are thawed and at room temperature the sauce will be bubbling in about an hour.
📖 Recipe
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Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 18 oz grape jelly about 2 cups
- 18 oz BBQ sauce about 2 cups
Instructions
- Place the jelly and BBQ sauce in a large slow cooker.18 oz grape jelly, 18 oz BBQ sauce
- Add meatballs and stir gently to coat.2 pounds frozen meatballs
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 4-6 hours, until heated through. Sauce will be bubbly. Lower heat while serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Toni
It was a really huge hit with my family! So flavorful and delicious!
Sula
Wonderful, thanks for letting me know!
Emily Flint
I had a similar appetizer years ago and have been looking for the recipe ever since. I had no idea it would be so easy!! Yay!
Sula
Go for it!
Vince
serving size says 3 but it's 2lb of meatballs?!
Sula
It depends upon the size of meatballs you make. My estimates were that 2 pounds of meat makes about 60 small meatballs.
Kayla DiMaggio
This is my favorite appetizer to bring to events. So easy and delicious and always a hit!
Sula
Yes its one you can't go wrong with!