Grape Jelly Meatballs

These grape jelly meatballs are steeped in rich, delicious flavor from the grape jelly and good 'ol BBQ sauce. They take just 3 minutes of prep time, and then you can forget about them as they cook away in your crockpot.

A bowl of glazed meatballs is in front of a slow cooker, with bottles of barbecue sauce and grape jelly nearby.

I love that these double as a snack or the hero protein for a pasta or mini roast potato partner. Kids love them just as much as grown-ups do!

I'm into meatballs (can you tell, haha) - I love how they carry loads of flavor. Try these Greek chicken meatballs for another meatball recipe that will go down a treat.

Ingredients

This ingredient list is shockingly simple. Round up these basics:

A bowl of frozen meatballs, a jar of Smucker's Concord Grape Jelly, and a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce are placed on a light surface.

Get this recipe together in a flash with these 3 ingredients:

Grape jelly: Any good old grape jelly will do.
BBQ sauce: I like to use the original flavor.
Frozen meatballs: You can make your own if you prefer.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Check out how to make my grape meatballs here:

Slow cooker with meatballs covered in barbecue sauce and grape jelly, surrounded by jars and a spoon on a countertop.

Step 1: Add everything to a crockpot and mix until all of the meatballs are well coated with the sauces.

A crockpot filled with cooked meatballs in a sauce, with a jar of grape jelly and a bottle of barbecue sauce nearby. A spoon and green napkin are also visible.

Step 2: Cook and serve warm!

Hint: Cooking this recipe in a crockpot gives you the most incredible results. You could also cook it low and slow in the oven for a similar result.

A bowl filled with glossy meatballs, garnished with chopped green herbs, is placed on a table next to a stack of white plates.

Substitutions

This recipe is pretty perfect as is. I would really suggest trying it with the grape jelly if you can.

To swap out the meatballs, try these suggestions:

Meatball swaps: To make your own homemade meatballs, mix ground beef, pork, or turkey seasoned with breadcrumbs, egg, and your favorite spices. Plant-based alternatives work well for a meat-free version. Use chicken or turkey meatballs for a leaner protein option.

A close-up of glazed meatballs topped with chopped green onions.

Variations

Want to experiment with this recipe? Try these versions:

Coca-Cola BBQ meatballs: Add ½ cup of Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper to the sauce.
Buffalo Ranch meatballs: Replace grape jelly with ranch dressing and mix in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce.
Vegan meatballs: Use plant-based meatballs and a vegan BBQ sauce for a meatless option.
Peach BBQ meatballs: Substitute grape jelly with peach preserves - also really good!

A spoon lifting savory meatballs from a dish filled with dark sauce.

Equipment

All you'll need is your trusty crockpot; this recipe is seriously low-maintenance.

Close-up of three glazed meatballs on a skewer. Blurred background includes a bowl of meatballs, a bottle of sauce, and a plate.

Storage

Store the meatballs with any remaining sauce in the sealable storage container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to enjoy them again, warm them up in the microwave, on the stove in a pot, or back in the crockpot until they are warmed thoroughly to 165℉.

These will also keep frozen for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

In a hurry, bake the meatballs first by following the directions on the bag, then add everything to the crockpot on high. This should cut your time in half.

Be sure the meatballs are cooked and heated thoroughly before placing them in the crockpot. You could also make this recipe on the stovetop before a party and then throw it in the crockpot.

I recommend baking the meatballs in the oven, or browning them on the skillet before adding them to a pot. This will just help expedite the process and be sure they are all heated thoroughly.

Top tips

Tip 1: Garnish for freshness: Garnish with chopped green onion or parsley.

Tip 2: Turn it into a game night snack: Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer to any holiday or game event. They're cute threaded on a skewer, too.

FAQ

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! I recommend browning the meatballs on the skillet or baking them in the oven to make sure they hold their shape.

Do I have to use grape jelly? Can I use other types of jelly?

No, you do not have to use grape jelly. You can definitely use any flavor of jelly you'd like! Changing the type of jelly may change the flavor a bit. For example, you could use an orange marmalade and give it a more of a citrus/tangy taste.

What is the best kind of BBQ sauce to use?

It all depends on the flavor you are looking for. I love Sweet Baby Rays original flavor, but you could try one with a more smokey taste, or one with a spice in it. This is all personal preference.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: