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.

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:

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:
- Step 1: Add everything to a crockpot and mix until all of the meatballs are well coated with the sauces.
- 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.
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.
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!
Equipment
All you'll need is your trusty crockpot; this recipe is seriously low-maintenance.
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
Absolutely! I recommend browning the meatballs on the skillet or baking them in the oven to make sure they hold their shape.
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.
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.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 cups grape jelly
- 2 cups BBQ sauce - original flavor
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Combine everything in a crockpot and mix until all of the meatballs are well coated with both the jelly and the BBQ sauce.
- Set the crockpot on high for 3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours.
- After the meatballs have all reached an internal temps of 165℉, turn the crockpot to “keep warm” and serve.
- Enjoy warm!
personal recipe book says
These grape jelly meatballs look absolutely delicious! I love how simple and easy this recipe is—just three ingredients and a crockpot. Perfect for a hassle-free appetizer or main dish. The substitution ideas and variations are great too, especially the peach BBQ twist! Can't wait to try this.
Ed Janssen says
used cranberry sauce ---thumbs up flavor