Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a recipe that brings everyone together, let me tell you about my family’s absolute favorite: Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce. Sounds a bit quirky, right? But trust me, this dish is what weekdays (and weekends!) are made for. It’s hearty, sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious. The best part? It takes hardly any effort to make, which is a lifesaver for busy evenings when the kids are bouncing off the walls after school.
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How to Make Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Let’s dive into how easy this recipe is! There are two ways to whip up these meatballs: the slow cooker method or a quick stovetop option. Either way, you will end up with sticky, flavorful meatballs that everyone in your house will love.
Ingredients:
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce
- 18 ounces grape jelly
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
Directions:
- In your slow cooker, mix together the BBQ sauce and grape jelly. It’s truly magical how these two come together!
- Toss in the frozen meatballs and give everything a gentle stir to coat them in that sweet, sticky goodness.
- Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 hours. Easy peasy! If you want to make clean-up a breeze, use a crockpot liner or spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- If you’re in a rush, you can also make this on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
When it’s time to eat, I love serving these meatballs in a variety of ways. They’re perfect as an appetizer for parties or game days. You can even serve them over rice or with some crusty bread for a filling meal. My kids love them in a sandwich, too! Just pop a few meatballs with some sauce in a hoagie roll, and you’ve got a fun dinner.
How to Store Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t super common around here!), you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready for round two!
Tips to Make Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
- Don’t worry about thawing the meatballs first. Frozen works perfectly here!
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of your sauce by adding more or less grape jelly. It can be a fun way to customize this dish to your taste.
- If you want a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. It gives a nice kick that pairs well with the sweetness.
Variation
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the meats! Try using turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option. Or add a splash of soy sauce to the mix for an Asian twist. The possibilities are endless!
You may read also : Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have some homemade meatballs on hand, they’ll work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re already cooked.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as is may not be gluten-free due to the BBQ sauce. Check the labels of the sauce you’re using. You can also make your own BBQ sauce without gluten if you want to ensure it’s safe.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is great for larger gatherings. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra ingredients.
So, there you have it! Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce are a go-to in our house. They bring smiles, laughter, and full bellies. I know your family will love them just as much as mine does! Happy cooking!

Meatballs with Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce Choose your favorite BBQ sauce.
- 18 ounces grape jelly Adjust sweetness by adding more or less grape jelly.
For the Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs Frozen meatballs work perfectly in this recipe.
Instructions
Preparation
- In your slow cooker, mix together the BBQ sauce and grape jelly.
- Toss in the frozen meatballs and give everything a gentle stir to coat them in the sauce.
Cooking
- Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 hours in the slow cooker.
- For stovetop preparation, combine all ingredients in a pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Serving
- Serve meatballs as an appetizer or over rice, with crusty bread, or in a hoagie roll.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.