These Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate easy party appetizer—sweet, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
With only four ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, these meatballs turn out tender, juicy, and perfectly glazed in a sticky, flavorful sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day, or potluck, these grape jelly meatballs with barbecue sauce are always a hit. Serve them straight from the crockpot and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 4 ingredients – Minimal prep, big flavor
Uses frozen meatballs – Zero fuss, all flavor
Sweet, smoky, spicy – Thanks to grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and chili garlic sauce
Perfect for parties – Keeps warm and easy to serve
Kid-friendly + crowd-approved – Everyone loves them
Make-ahead friendly – Stays warm in the crockpot for hours
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Frozen fully cooked meatballs – Use your favorite brand or homemade
Grape jelly – Adds sweetness and a sticky glaze (Smucker’s recommended)
Barbecue sauce – Brings smoky flavor and tang (Sweet Baby Ray’s is a favorite)
Chili garlic sauce – Adds a gentle kick of spice (optional but delicious)
Pro Tips Before You Start
No need to thaw the meatballs—cook straight from frozen
Stir halfway through to coat all meatballs evenly
Keep on warm until serving to maintain texture
Garnish with parsley or chives for a fresh finish
Use toothpicks for easy party serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add 32 oz frozen meatballs, 1 cup grape jelly, 1½ cups barbecue sauce, and 2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce into the base of your slow cooker.
Stir everything together until well coated.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or 4–5 hours for larger meatballs.
Stir once halfway through to coat evenly.
Step 3: Serve
Once hot and tender, switch to WARM and serve directly from the crockpot.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
What to Serve With Grape Jelly Meatballs
Toothpicks or slider buns – For party-friendly bites
Mashed potatoes or rice – For a full meal
Mac and cheese – Creamy, comforting pairing
Crispy coleslaw or pickles – For a crunchy contrast
Roasted veggies – A lighter side dish
Variations & Substitutions
Use turkey or chicken meatballs – For a leaner version
Try chili sauce instead of BBQ – For a classic retro version
Add crushed pineapple – For a tropical twist
Use hot BBQ sauce – If you love it spicy
Make it stovetop – Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 30–40 minutes
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer – Freeze in sauce for up to 2 months
Reheat – Warm in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of water if needed
Make ahead – Mix the sauce the day before and just dump everything in the crockpot when ready
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Is it spicy?
Mildly. The chili garlic sauce adds flavor and a little heat, but it’s kid-friendly.
Omit or reduce for no spice.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
What can I substitute for grape jelly?
Try apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, or apple jelly.
How long can I leave them on warm?
Up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I cook on high?
Yes—cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, but low yields more tender meatballs.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs are the definition of an easy win.
Sweet, smoky, a little spicy, and endlessly poppable, they’re perfect for entertaining or just making dinner fun.
With just a handful of ingredients and no prep time, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.
