Description
These Grape Jelly Meatballs are a simple and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. Using just three main ingredients—frozen cooked meatballs, grape jelly, and barbecue sauce—this recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors in a slow cooker for easy preparation and tender, flavorful meatballs. A touch of onion powder adds a subtle hint of spice, making this a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 bag Frozen Cooked Meatballs (approximately 24 oz or 680 g)
Sauce
- 1 cup Grape Jelly (about 320 g)
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (about 240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (can substitute with garlic powder)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Set your frozen cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Add sauces: Pour the grape jelly and barbecue sauce over the meatballs. Gently stir to coat all meatballs thoroughly and distribute the sauce evenly throughout.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the onion powder over the meatballs and sauce mixture for added flavor.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. After 2 hours, check that the meatballs are heated through and that the sauce is bubbling.
- Alternative methods: For stovetop heating, simmer the meatballs in a saucepan until warmed throughout. For oven preparation, transfer meatballs and sauce to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute grape jelly with other fruity jellies like apricot or cranberry for a different flavor profile.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the sweetness and smoky flavor.
- The recipe works well with homemade meatballs or any pre-cooked frozen meatballs.
- Keep an eye on the meatballs during cooking to prevent overcooking and drying out.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, party finger food, or a main course alongside rice or veggies.
