Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

HomeRecipe ListAppetizersGrape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Posted by Aimee 29 comments
Published: Sep 18, 2019 Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023

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These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they’re super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Love easy snacks? This 7 Layer Dip is a hit at every family gathering and game day party! Or whip up some Hanky Panky’s. My family is obsessed with these crispy bites of sausage and cheese!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Easy Instructions
  • Variations
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?
  • Tips and Tricks
  • More Meatball Recipes
  • More Appetizer Recipes
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Why this Recipe Works

Whether you are headed to a party, or just craving an easy snack, these co*cktail Meatballs are the perfect answer.

Tender, juicy meatballs in an easy sweet and sour sauce!

You’ll love the versatility of this meatball recipe. Whether you whip up a batch of homemade meatballs with the recipe below, or use turkey meatballs, or buy a bag of frozen meatballs, this recipe couldn’t get any easier!

Ingredient Notes

  • Meatballs. I usually make a double batch and freeze half for future use. You can also use store bought frozen meatballs for a quick time saver.
  • Grape Jelly
  • Chili Sauce – found in the ketchup aisle

That’s it. Whether you call these co*cktail meatballs or grape jelly meatballs, one thing is for certain, they won’t last long!

Easy Instructions

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2)

STEP 1: Start by making the meatballs. In a bowl, combine ground beef with egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk. Use your hands to mix thoroughly.

STEP 2: Shape beef mixture into small bite size balls. I use a 1 Tbsp scoop for this, as we prefer our appetizer meatballs to be smaller. You can totally make them bigger if you prefer. Arrange meatballs in a hot skillet over medium high heat, turning often until completely cooked.

PRO TIP: You can freeze cooled, cooked meatballs in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months. So go ahead and double that recipe!

STEP 3: In the bottom of a crockpot or slow cooker, add equal parts of grape jelly and chili sauce. I use about 1 cup of each, but if you like them a little juicier or serving over rice, feel free to double that amount.

Whisk the jelly and chili sauce until combined. Add cooked meatballs (or frozen meatballs) to the crockpot. Turn on low for about 3 hours. Serve warm and enjoy!

  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (3)

Variations

Our family loves the standard grape jelly with chili sauce for these meatballs. But if you’re looking for a little variety, or your pantry is lacking in an ingredient, there are some tried and true substitutions you may like:

  • Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Pineapple preserves with BBQ Sauce
  • Ketchup and Grape Jelly
  • Cranberry Sauce (either the whole berry or jellied) with BBQ Sauce

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in grape jelly meatballs?

Yes! Fresh or frozen meatballs can be used in this co*cktail meatball recipe. No need to thaw.

Can I make co*cktail Meatballs ahead of time?

You can make and freee your meatballs without sauce for up to three months. Or refrigerate for 2 days in advance.

Can I make grape jelly meatballs in oven?

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked meatballs with jelly and chili sauce. Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 40 minutes, or until bubbly hot. Stir and serve.

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (4)

Can Grape Jelly Meatballs be a meal?

Of course! Serve your grape jelly meatballs with a side of rice or a big green salad on the side.

Pair your crockpot meatballs with some baked mashed potatoes or hashbrown casserole for a filling dish!

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix the chili sauce and grape jelly together in the bottom of the slow cooker BEFORE adding the meatballs. This helps create an even distribution of sauce.
  • Double the sauce recipe if you’re looking to have a little extra on each meatball.
  • This is also a GREAT sauce (the grape jelly with chili sauce) to cook with co*cktail weenies (little smokies)!
  • Serve your grape jelly meatballs right out of the slow cooker or plate them with party toothpicks!
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (5)

More Meatball Recipes

  • Greek Zucchini Meatballs
  • Zucchini Meatballs
  • Meatball Sub Recipe
  • Swedish Meatballs

More Appetizer Recipes

  • Hummus Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Bang Bang Chicken
  • Artichoke Dip

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (6)

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Grape Jelly Meatballs

4.78 from 18 votes

By: Aimee

These co*cktail Meatballs (or Grape Jelly Meatballs) are exactly what your party needs, and they're super easy to make! Homemade Meatballs with an easy, two ingredient sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 1 cup chili sauce

Instructions

  • Mix beef, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and milk in large bowl. Shape into small bite size balls. Cook in hot skillet, turning, until completely cooked.

  • At this point you can let them cool, and freeze them. Or you can toss them right into a crock pot with the jelly and chili sauce. Turn on low, heat for about 3 hours, serve, enjoy!

Notes

  • Frozen meatballs can be used in place of homemade meatballs.
  • Storage: You can also prepare the grape jelly and chili sauce with the meatballs and refrigerate together for up to 24 hours. Then heat and serve.
  • Freezing the meatballs with the jelly and chili sauce is also an option. Whether you prepare it in advance or want to freeze leftovers, store in airtight container for up to one month.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 223mg, Sugar: 5g

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Grape Jelly Meatballs are the easiest game day appetizer, served in the crockpot with a delicious sweet and sour sauce!

Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are my grape jelly meatballs runny? ›

To thicken runny grape jelly meatball sauce, mix up a teaspoon of cornstarch (or even two depending on how thick you want things) with an equal amount of water. Stir this into the bubbling meatball mixture during the last hour they're in the slow cooker.

Why do people put grape jelly in meatballs? ›

To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need: Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce. Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth. Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.

What is the trick to keeping meatballs together? ›

How to make meatballs that won't fall apart
  1. Massage your meat. True story. ...
  2. Add breadcrumbs. Add breadcrumbs to the mixture, but not too many breadcrumbs. ...
  3. Add egg. ...
  4. Don't add much apart from meat. ...
  5. Roll your meatballs in flour. ...
  6. Give your meatballs space. ...
  7. Shake your meatballs. ...
  8. Brown your meatballs first.
Mar 3, 2022

What can I substitute for grape jelly in meatballs? ›

Other fruit jelly for meatballs.

Some cooks like using apple jelly or even elderberry jelly as a grape jelly substitute. That's fine! They will be delicious with either.

How do I get my grape jelly to set? ›

Add 25 mL (2 tbsp) sugar per 250 mL (1 cup) of jam or jelly being recooked. Return to the heat and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil rapidly for 30 seconds. Remove from heat, skim off foam, fill hot sterilized jars, seal and process 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.

How do you know when grape jelly is done? ›

The Early Stage of Making Jelly

During the early stage of cooking jelly, the liquid is visible while it boils. It's nowhere near ready yet. You'll need to let the liquid boil until it becomes one gelatinous liquid with no separate liquid visible boiling to the surface.

What does adding milk to meatballs do? ›

Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the meat, making our meatballs juicy and tender once cooked. Egg: Adds more moisture and helps the mixture firm up once cooked. Parmesan: My secret ingredient for the best meatballs! Parmigiano-Reggiano adds flavor and salt to our mixture.

Why do you put baking soda in meatballs? ›

Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, appears often in köfte recipes. It raises the PH level of the meat, making it harder for the meat's protein molecules to bond. This in turn allows the meat to retain water as it cooks. And more water means a moist meatball.

Why is it called baby shower meatballs? ›

Why do people call them baby shower meatballs ?- Traditionally they are a staple dish served at baby showers.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

For 1-2 inches of beef, pork, or turkey meatballs without any pre-cooking, use these guidelines for your wall oven:
  • 350°F wall oven:
  • 8–14 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 14–18 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 400°F wall oven:
  • 6–10 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 10–14 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 425°F wall oven:
Aug 16, 2023

How to stop meatballs from falling apart? ›

Your job is to massage or knead the meat, after you've added your seasonings. This helps release more protein into the mix that will then harden to create a matrix that will hold the meatballs together.

What is the main ingredient in grape jelly? ›

Concord Grape Juice, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Fruit Pectin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate.

Can you use frozen grapes to make grape jelly? ›

Grapes are best frozen in syrup, but grapes to be used for juice or jelly can be frozen without sweetening. To freeze grapes: Choose tender skin, firm, sweet grapes with full color and flavor. Sort, remove stems and wash. Leave seedless grapes whole; cut table grapes with seeds in half and remove seeds.

What can I do with grape jelly that doesn't set? ›

If it still hasn't set, it's time to determine how much jam needs to be recooked. You don't want to remake more than 8 cups (4 pints) at a time. For every 4 cups of jam that needs to be remade, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon powdered pectin.

How to thicken up meatballs? ›

If it still isn't thick enough for you, you can mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tablespoon of each is a good starting point) to create a slurry and stir that in to the hot sauce.

Why do my meatballs come out too soft? ›

Because the role of eggs in meatballs is primarily structural, the amount of eggs you use does matter. You want enough to keep the mixture stable and easy to handle, but too many will make the mixture overly soft.

How do you add moisture to meatballs? ›

The Key to Tender Meatballs

Here, we're soaking fresh or dried breadcrumbs in a little milk until the bread becomes soggy, then mixing that right into the meat. This binder (aka panade) helps add moisture to the meatballs and also prevents the meat proteins from shrinking and becoming tough.

Why are my meatballs too firm? ›

When meatballs are packed together too tightly, they cook up tough, rubbery, and chewy. → Follow this tip: Being gentle is the name of the game when it comes to forming meatballs. Consider oiling your hands so the mixture won't stick to them, and then gently and quickly form the meat into evenly sized balls.

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