Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs (2024)

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Appetizers » Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

by Sarah Olson on January 23, 2020 | Updated April 12, 2024 97 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, 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

4.83 from 17 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 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 15

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

▢
Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger (I own and use this one from Crock-Pot)

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.

How to Video:

Sarah’s 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:

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

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