Classic Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Party Perfect Appetizers.
A foolproof, 3-ingredient crockpot appetizer with the perfect sweet and savory flavor.
I remember my aunt bringing these to every single family potluck. We’d all just stand around the slow cooker with toothpicks, waiting for her to lift the lid. When I finally asked for the recipe, I couldn't believe how simple it was. I mean, grape jelly? It sounds so strange, but it just works. Now, it’s my turn to bring them, and watching everyone’s face light up feels like carrying on the best kind of tradition.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
- •It uses only 3 ingredients. That’s it!
- •It's a true 'dump-and-go' recipe with almost zero effort.
- •The perfect sweet and savory flavor that everyone loves.
- •Frees up your oven and stovetop during parties.
- •It’s wonderfully nostalgic and feels like coming home.
Wow, just wow. I made these for a game night, and they were gone in minutes. My friends are already asking me to make them again for our next get-together. This recipe is a total winner!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Frozen Meatballs: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, so pre-cooked frozen meatballs are perfect. Beef is classic, but turkey or chicken meatballs work great too. Just make sure they're fully cooked.
- Grape Jelly: This is the secret. It provides the perfect sweetness to balance the tangy chili sauce. Don't be tempted to use sugar-free jelly here; you want the real deal for the best sauce consistency.
- Chili Sauce: Look for the kind in a bottle, usually near the ketchup. It's more tangy and savory than spicy. Heinz is the classic choice. If you can't find it, a good-quality BBQ sauce is the next best thing.
Complete Cooking Process
- Just grab a bowl and whisk the grape jelly and chili sauce together. It’s that easy. The goal is just to combine them before pouring over the meatballs so everything gets coated evenly.
- Place your frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top. Give it a stir, put the lid on, and walk away. That’s the entire hands-on part. Let the crockpot do its thing.
- Once they’re hot and bubbly, just turn the slow cooker to 'WARM'. This keeps them perfect for hours, so guests can help themselves throughout the party. Set out some small plates and toothpicks, and you're done.
A Few Common Questions
→Are these meatballs spicy?
Not at all! The chili sauce is tangy and savory, not hot. It's very family-friendly. If you want a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
→Can I use homemade meatballs?
Of course! Just make sure they are fully cooked and cooled before adding them to the crockpot. You don't want them to fall apart during the slow cooking process.
→What if I can't find chili sauce?
No problem. You can substitute it with your favorite BBQ sauce. The flavor will be a bit different—more smoky, less tangy—but still absolutely delicious.
→How do I store the leftovers?
If you have any! Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Classic Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
The easiest, most crowd-pleasing crockpot appetizer ever! These sweet and savory grape jelly meatballs are made with just three simple ingredients and are perfect for any party or gathering.
Timing
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours
Total Time
2 hours 5 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Just Three Ingredients
- 011 (32 ounce) bag frozen, fully cooked beef meatballs
- 021 (18 ounce) jar grape jelly
- 031 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce (like Heinz)
Instructions
Find your crockpot. Seriously, that's the hardest part. Place the frozen meatballs inside.
In a separate bowl, stir together the grape jelly and chili sauce until they're well combined. It might look a little funny, but trust the process.
Pour the sauce mixture all over the meatballs in the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure every meatball is coated in that delicious sauce.
Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours, stirring once or twice if you think of it.
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly, switch the crockpot to the 'WARM' setting. Serve them right from the pot with a bowl of toothpicks nearby.
Notes & Tips
- 1This is the ultimate party food. It’s low-stress and always a hit.
- 2The meatballs are even better the next day, so don't worry about making them ahead of time.
Tools You'll Need
- •Stir the meatballs once about halfway through cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking to the sides.
- •Don't be tempted to lift the lid too often! The slow cooker needs to stay covered to hold in the heat.
- •If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out slightly.
- •This recipe doubles beautifully for a big crowd. Just use a larger slow cooker.