Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe (Easy & Crowd-Pleasing)

Sweet, tangy, and ridiculously easy — this grape jelly meatball recipe is the ultimate party appetizer. With just a few ingredients and 25 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky, flavorful grape jelly and chili sauce glaze. Perfect for potlucks, game days, holidays, or even a quick weeknight meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Just toss everything in a slow cooker or skillet, and you’re done in about 20 minutes.
• Only 3 Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, party snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup chili sauce (like Heinz)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1️⃣ Combine the Sauce

• In a large skillet, mix the grape jelly, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and bubbling.

2️⃣ Add the Meatballs

• Add the frozen meatballs into the skillet.
• Stir to evenly coat them in the sauce.

3️⃣ Simmer and Serve

• Cover and cook over medium-low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and glazed.
• Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are perfect served with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. You can also serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a simple, satisfying meal. They pair wonderfully with other appetizers like deviled eggs, sliders, or veggie trays.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Meatballs: Use homemade or turkey meatballs for a lighter option.
• Chili Sauce: Swap for BBQ sauce if you prefer a smoky flavor.
• Grape Jelly: Try using apricot or cranberry jelly for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to a month — just thaw and reheat when ready.

Final Thoughts

This grape jelly meatball recipe is one of those easy, no-fail appetizers that people always come back for. It’s a sweet, tangy, and savory classic that works for every occasion. With just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Pro Tips

• Use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce for a smoky twist.
• Make it in a slow cooker: Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (based on 6 servings)

Notes:

• Sugars are mostly from the grape jelly and chili sauce
• Protein comes from the meatballs (especially if using turkey or lean beef options)
• Fat includes healthy fats from the meatballs and sauce, with some saturated fat
• Sodium can be reduced by using low-sodium sauces or homemade meatballs
• Carbohydrates are mainly from the sweet grape jelly