Sticky, glossy meatballs simmered low and slow in a sweet and smoky sauce made from just grape jelly and BBQ sauce. These grape jelly BBQ meatballs take three ingredients and five minutes of prep, and they’re always the first thing gone at a party.
Let’s talk about that sauce, because it sounds a little wild. Grape jelly and BBQ sauce? Trust me. As they cook together in the slow cooker, the jelly melts into the BBQ sauce and turns it into a thick, shiny glaze that’s sweet, tangy and smoky all at once. It clings to every meatball, and nobody can ever guess what’s in it.
And the effort is almost nothing.
Frozen, fully cooked meatballs go straight into the slow cooker, no thawing needed.
Stir in the sauce, put the lid on, and walk away. Once they’re hot, flip the slow cooker to warm and they’ll stay perfect for the whole party.
They’re made for game day, holiday parties, potlucks and birthdays. Serve them over rice and they make an easy weeknight dinner too. If you like a tangier, spicier version, try our sweet and sour crock pot meatballs made with chili sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Just 3 ingredients: grape jelly, BBQ sauce and frozen meatballs.
- 5 minutes of prep: the slow cooker does the rest.
- No thawing: the meatballs go in straight from frozen.
- Party-proof: they stay warm and saucy on the WARM setting.
- Appetizer or dinner: serve with toothpicks or over rice.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
Grape jelly – Melts into the sauce and gives it sweetness and that sticky glaze. Use half the amount if you’d like it less sweet.
BBQ sauce – Brings the smoky, tangy flavour. Your favourite brand will shape the final taste, so pick one you love.
Frozen fully cooked meatballs – A 32-ounce bag (about 50 meatballs). Beef, pork, turkey or Italian-style all work.
Chili sauce (optional) – Add a jar for a spicier, tangier version.
Rice and green onions (optional) – Turn the meatballs into a full meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grape Jelly Meatballs
1. Mix the sauce
Stir the grape jelly and BBQ sauce together, either in a bowl or right in the slow cooker. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, as the jelly melts as it cooks.
2. Add the meatballs
Tip in the frozen meatballs and stir until they’re all coated in sauce.
3. Slow cook
Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, giving them a stir now and then if you’re around. They’re ready when the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is glossy.
4. Keep warm and serve
Switch the slow cooker to WARM until you’re ready to eat. Serve with toothpicks, or over rice topped with green onions.
Slow Cooker Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Medium bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 (18-ounce) jar grape jelly
- 1 (18-ounce) jar BBQ sauce
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs about 50
- cooked rice and sliced green onions optional, for serving as a main
Instructions
- Stir the grape jelly and BBQ sauce together in a medium bowl or right in the slow cooker. Add the meatballs and stir until coated.
- Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Switch to WARM until ready to serve.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or spoon over rice and scatter with green onions for a main dish.
Notes
- Half batch: Use 25 meatballs, 1 cup grape jelly and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
- Less sweet or spicier: Use half the jelly, or add a jar of chili sauce for more kick.
- Stovetop: Warm the jelly and BBQ sauce in a large pot over medium-low heat until combined, stir in the meatballs, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the ingredients, without rice. Brands of meatballs and BBQ sauce vary a lot.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Use fully cooked meatballs: they only need heating through.
- Stir occasionally: it keeps every meatball coated.
- Pick a BBQ sauce you love: it’s half the flavour.
- Use the WARM setting: perfect for keeping them ready during a party.
- Adjust the sweetness: less jelly for a tangier sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking too long on HIGH: the sauce can thicken too much and catch. Switch to WARM once heated through.
- Using sugar-free or low-sugar jelly: the sauce won’t get the same sticky glaze.
- Overfilling the slow cooker: leave room to stir.
- Using raw meatballs: this recipe is for fully cooked frozen meatballs.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
The recipe card is the original version. These are optional ideas:
- Spicy: add a jar of chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Less sweet: use half the grape jelly.
- Different jelly: try apricot or cranberry instead of grape.
- Stovetop version: simmer everything in a pot for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Half batch: 25 meatballs with 1 cup each of jelly and BBQ sauce.
How to Serve Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs
Keep them in the slow cooker on WARM with toothpicks on the side for a party. For dinner, serve them over white rice with sliced green onions, or tuck them into slider buns for meatball subs. They’re great next to dips, sliders and veggie trays on a game-day spread.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make ahead: cook them a day ahead, refrigerate, then reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove.
- Fridge: store covered for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot, stirring so the sauce coats evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No. Fully cooked frozen meatballs go straight into the slow cooker.
How long do grape jelly meatballs take in the crockpot?
2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 3 to 4 hours on LOW.
Can I make them on the stove?
Yes. Warm the jelly and BBQ sauce in a large pot over medium-low heat, add the meatballs, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.
How do I make them less sweet?
Use half the grape jelly, or add a jar of chili sauce for a tangier, spicier sauce.
How many meatballs are in a 32-ounce bag?
About 50, enough to serve around 10 people as an appetizer.
Sweet, smoky and impossibly easy, these grape jelly BBQ meatballs prove that the simplest recipes are often the biggest hits.
Set up the slow cooker before guests arrive and let it do all the work.
