Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Introduction

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a sweet and savory appetizer that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or any time you’re craving a simple, delicious dish with minimal effort. The meatballs are made tender and juicy in the slow cooker, absorbing the rich, tangy sweetness of the grape jelly and complementing the savory sauce. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and cooks low and slow, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing treat. With only a handful of ingredients and the convenience of a Crock Pot, these meatballs are always a hit!

I remember the first time I made them for a family get-together. The aroma of the slow-cooked meatballs filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What’s great about these meatballs is how effortless they are to make. Just toss the ingredients into the Crock Pot, set it, and let it work its magic. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party or as a quick snack, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game day snacks
• Family gatherings
• Potlucks
• Casual dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs will become your go-to appetizer:

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of grape jelly and a tangy sauce creates a perfectly balanced sweet-savory profile that pairs wonderfully with the tender meatballs.
• Minimal Prep: These meatballs require minimal hands-on time, with everything coming together in the Crock Pot.
• Tender Meatballs: The slow-cooking method ensures the meatballs stay juicy and tender, absorbing all the flavor from the sauce.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a party, a potluck, or a family meal, these meatballs are always a hit.
• No Fuss Cooking: You can set it and forget it, making it the perfect recipe for busy days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (on low)
• Servings: 20-24 meatballs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50-60 calories per meatball (varies based on size and ingredients)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 7g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup grape jelly (use sugar-free or reduced-sugar if preferred)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Grape Jelly: The star of the sauce, giving a rich sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the jelly.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Tender meatballs that soak up all the flavor from the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatball mixture, giving them a light, tender texture.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: Add a savory depth to the meatballs, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Brown the Meatballs (optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but is optional; you can also skip it and add the raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker.

Prepare the Sauce:

4. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the grape jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the grape jelly has fully dissolved.

Cook the Meatballs:

5. Add Meatballs to the Crock Pot: Place the meatballs in the Crock Pot in a single layer, or arrange them evenly if using a smaller slow cooker.
6. Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the Crock Pot, ensuring they are all coated.
7. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken and become deliciously flavorful as the meatballs cook.

Serve:

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve them with toothpicks or on a platter. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs are perfect for many occasions:

• Appetizer for Parties: Serve them with cocktail picks as a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer.
• Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the meatballs with rice or pasta for a more filling meal.
• With Veggies: Pair them with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
• For Game Day: These meatballs are a great snack for watching the big game, especially with some dipping sauces on the side.
• As a Sandwich: Serve the meatballs on slider buns or sub rolls for a fun meatball sandwich option.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Mixing too much can make the meatballs dense. Just combine the ingredients until they are incorporated.
• Use Lean Meat for Healthier Meatballs: If you’re looking to make a leaner version, turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
• Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce, double the amount to ensure plenty to coat the meatballs.
• Frozen Meatballs: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add the sauce to the Crock Pot and cook for 2-3 hours on low.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of grape jelly depending on how sweet or tangy you prefer the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs:

• BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs: Substitute half of the grape jelly with barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Spicy Grape Jelly Meatballs: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Teriyaki Grape Jelly Meatballs: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Honey Grape Jelly Meatballs: Swap the grape jelly for honey for a more natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
• Vegetarian Meatballs: Use plant-based meatballs or make your own from beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 2 months. Simply allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs easier:

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: The essential tool for making this recipe with ease.
• Skillet: For browning the meatballs before slow cooking (optional).
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the meatball mixture and the sauce.
• Spoon or Spatula: To stir the sauce and coat the meatballs evenly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
   Yes, you can use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs if you’re short on time. Just add them to the Crock Pot and cook as directed.
2. Can I use a different type of jelly?
   Yes, you can substitute the grape jelly with other fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before cooking. Just thaw and cook in the Crock Pot as usual when ready.
4. Can I use a different ground meat?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even beef and pork combinations work great in this recipe.
5. Can I cook these on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook the meatballs on high for 2-3 hours, but the low setting ensures more tender meatballs.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a simple, sweet, and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, these meatballs will always be a crowd favorite. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy this delicious treat with ease!

The combination of tangy grape jelly and savory meatballs creates a flavorful balance that’s impossible to resist. These meatballs are tender and juicy, with the sauce adding the perfect amount of sweetness and richness. They’re a great option for game day, holiday gatherings, or even as a tasty snack for a casual dinner.

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!