Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Grape Jelly Meatballs are a sweet and tangy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 12 ounces chili sauce
- 1 1/2 cups grape jelly
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chili sauce and grape jelly to a slow cooker. Stir well to combine the two sauces.
- Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Step 4: Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over rice for a simple main dish.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce for extra depth and a hint of spice.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Use homemade meatballs or your favorite brand if fresh meatballs are preferred over frozen.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh meatballs work well; just adjust the cooking time accordingly if needed to ensure they are cooked through and hot.
Can this recipe be made in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine the ingredients in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
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Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Sweet and tangy grape jelly meatballs are an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Frozen meatballs simmer slowly in a flavorful sauce of chili sauce and grape jelly, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s great for parties, family dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 12 ounces chili sauce
- 1 1/2 cups grape jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a slow cooker, pour in the chili sauce and grape jelly. Stir well until the jelly is fully combined with the chili sauce, forming a smooth sauce mixture.
- Add meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the meatballs on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through thoroughly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot as a delicious appetizer or spoon them over cooked rice to make a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh meatballs but frozen meatballs save preparation time.
- For a spicy touch, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer the mixture gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grape jelly meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, party appetizer, sweet and tangy meatballs, easy meatball recipe
