Description
This Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal appetizer or party dish. Easy to prepare with multiple cooking methods including slow cooker, stovetop, and oven, these meatballs are coated in a delicious sauce of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen meatballs (fully cooked, any style)
Sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop Method: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine grape jelly, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Add the frozen meatballs, stirring to coat them, then cover and simmer on LOW heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
- Oven-Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place frozen meatballs in a large baking dish. In a bowl, mix grape jelly, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the grape jelly meatballs warm with toothpicks as an appetizer or on a platter for sharing.
Notes
- For best flavor, use your favorite BBQ sauce brand that complements the sweetness of the grape jelly.
- Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder are optional but add depth to the sauce.
- You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker for parties.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to evenly coat the meatballs.
- Feel free to double or halve the recipe depending on the number of guests.
