Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that come together effortlessly. This easy recipe is perfect for parties or a simple weeknight dinner, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- 2 (18-ounce) bags frozen cooked bite-size Italian meatballs (about 1/2 ounce each; do not thaw)
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce, such as Heinz (1 1/4 cups)
- 1 (12-ounce) jar Concord grape jelly, such as Smucker’s (heaping 1 cup)
- Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and grape jelly into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Step 2: Cover and cook until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours on the HIGH setting or 3 to 4 hours on the LOW setting.
- Step 3: For a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, increase the heat to HIGH if needed, and stir occasionally.
- Step 4: If serving directly from the slow cooker, switch to the warm setting. Otherwise, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey or beef meatballs if you prefer a leaner or different flavor.
- For extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy party appetizers.
- Leftover meatballs can be turned into a sandwich or served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they heat through and the sauce thickens accordingly.
What other types of jelly can I use besides grape?
While Concord grape jelly is traditional, you can substitute with other jellies like raspberry or cranberry for a different but still delicious flavor.
PrintSlow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
These Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer combining the savory flavor of Italian meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce made from chili sauce and Concord grape jelly. Perfect for parties or easy entertaining, this recipe simmers meatballs in a slow cooker until they’re tender and coated in a flavorful thick sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours (HIGH) or 3 to 4 hours (LOW)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 to 50 meatballs (depends on size and serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 (18-ounce) bags frozen cooked bite-size Italian meatballs (about 1/2 ounce each; do not thaw)
Sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce (such as Heinz) – approximately 1 1/4 cups
- 1 (12-ounce) jar Concord grape jelly (such as Smucker’s) – heaping 1 cup
Garnish
- Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and Concord grape jelly into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to coat all the meatballs evenly in the sauce mixture.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to heat the meatballs through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly during cooking.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, switch to HIGH heat if necessary, and stir occasionally to reduce the sauce and help it cling to the meatballs.
- Serve and garnish: Once cooked, keep the meatballs on the warm setting if serving directly from the slow cooker. Alternatively, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley leaves to add a fresh aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Using Concord grape jelly is key for the authentic flavor, but you can substitute with other grape jellies if necessary.
- Adjust the cooking time if using homemade meatballs, as cooking times may vary.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 5 quarts) to avoid overflowing when stirring.
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, grape jelly meatballs, party appetizers, easy meatball recipe, slow cooker appetizer
