Description
These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and tangy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with fully cooked meatballs simmered in a flavorful sauce of grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and optional hot sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be cooked using multiple methods including slow cooker, stovetop, or oven. Garnished with fresh parsley or chives, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs
Sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Add hot sauce if desired for a bit of heat and mix well until smooth.
- Arrange meatballs: Place frozen fully cooked meatballs in a slow cooker, large pot, or baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Add sauce to meatballs: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, gently stirring to ensure each meatball is coated evenly.
- Slow cook option: If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through thoroughly.
- Stovetop option: For stovetop cooking, simmer the covered pot on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Oven option: To bake, cover the baking dish with foil and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cook time.
- Stir halfway: Regardless of cooking method, stir gently once midway through cooking to prevent sticking and allow even heat distribution.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the meatballs with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- For added heat, adjust the amount of hot sauce or omit it completely for a milder flavor.
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to simplify preparation and ensure even heating.
- If cooking in the oven or stovetop, cover the dish/pot to retain moisture and keep the meatballs tender.
- These meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker set to ‘Keep Warm’ if serving at a party.
- Garnishing is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grape jelly meatballs, party meatballs, appetizer recipe, slow cooker meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs
