Want an easy classic slow cooker recipe that doesn't disappoint? Try these tender and juicy 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs, and you'll be the hit of your next party or tailgater!
Do you have any easy but delicious recipes everybody raves about in your recipe box? This is one of ours. 3-ingredient Crockpot Meatballs or, as it's often called - Grape Jelly Meatballs.
We make it for potlucks, game days, or family get-togethers because it feeds a crowd nicely. It's also a great appetizer recipe when friends come over.
It's so simple - throw the 3 ingredients in the crockpot, wait three hours, and they come out perfect every time! The slow-cooked flavor is amazing!
When we don't have time to wait for the slow cooker, we make Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs.
Another game-day favorite is Loaded Tater Tot Nachos!
If you're new to your crockpot, definitely read these Crockpot Tips and Tricks!
Who needs a plate? We tend to eat them right out of the serving dish!
Slow Cooker Recipes You Need to Try
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
What Ingredients are in Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe?
This is seriously ONE EASY RECIPE!
There are only 3 ingredients!
- GRAPE JELLY - Any brand will do!
- CHILI SAUCE – Yep, chili sauce. The sweet-and-sour flavor combo is something special! See below for where to find it.
- MEATBALLS - The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any meatball. We find the big bag of meatballs from Costco a good option because they're delicious and economical. You can also purchase a bag from the grocery store or make your own meatballs. Turkey meatballs work in the recipe as well!
How to Make - Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready for a simple yet oh, so good recipe? By the way, these are sometimes called cocktail meatballs.
Step 1 - Make the sauce
Combine grape jelly and chili sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to combine. Cook until warm, like 5-10 minutes.
When in a real hurry, we've skipped this step, and they still come out great!
Step 2 - Place ingredients in crock
Place meatballs in your slow cooker (a 6-quart will do) and top with grape jelly mixture. Stir to coat them evenly.
Step 3 - Cook
Finally, cook your grape jelly chili sauce meatballs on low for 3-4 hours! Enjoy your delicious crock pot meatball recipe!
You can also cook on high for about 2 hours.
Tips & Tricks
- You can make this grape jelly meatball recipe with barbecue sauce instead of chili sauce. If we make it that way, we always use Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce.
- Yes, you can use frozen meatballs or homemade meatballs in this recipe.
- You can serve your meatballs with toothpicks for an appetizer or over rice as a main meal!
- A reader recently told us this recipe is also great using kielbasa! Yum!
More Meatball Recipes
Cheesy Baked Chicken Meatballs
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
How to Store
REFRIGERATOR: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
FREEZER: Cool the meatball completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container—label and date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place meatballs in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
You can place them in your slow cooker to reheat or on the stovetop if you're in a rush.
What brand of chili sauce do you use?
We like Heinz Chili Sauce in 3-ingredient crockpot meatballs. It's not too sweet and not too spicey.
Can you use Italian Sausage?
This slow cooker recipe is great with Italian sausage or kielbasa. The flavors come together perfectly.
What size crockpot?
This recipe is made for a 6-quart crockpot. If you have a smaller slow cooker, cut the recipe in half.
Can I use Little Smokies?
Yes! That sounds like a delicious idea. However, I don't know the quantity for the recipe, but I recommend staying around 32 ounces to keep the proportions right.
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3-Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz jar grape jelly
- 2 12 oz bottles tomato-based chili sauce ((like Heinz))
- 5 pounds pre-cooked cocktail size meatballs
Instructions
- Combine grape jelly and chili sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until warm, 5 to 10 minutes. (I've skipped this step and they still came out great!)
- Place meatballs in crockpot and top with grape jelly mixture.
- Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- This recipe can also be made with BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce.
- You can use homemade meatballs or frozen meatballs in this recipe.
- You can serve your meatballs with toothpicks for an appetizer or over rice as a main meal!
- A reader recently told us this recipe is also great using kielbasa! Yum!
Nutrition
Crockpot Meatballs stay moist, so serving the next day or the day after that totally works!
These meatballs are so simple and oh, so delish! I never thought grape jelly would be something that'd make such a great recipe, but it adds the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
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Where to find Chili Sauce
If you're unsure where to find the chili sauce, try looking in the Ketchup aisle at the grocery store. And Costco is a great place to get a big bag of tasty frozen meatballs.
We promise if you serve these Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs at your next event, you'll be the hit of the party!
What's one of your signature recipes that everyone loves?
Krissy Allori says
I love these meatballs. They are my go to potluck dish to take. Quick and easy and always a hit.
Erin Henry says
These meatballs are one of the best recipes to make to a potluck! They never disappoint!
Kristyn says
I am all about simple, easy meals, that taste delicious!! My kids love these! They eat them alone or with pasta.
Erin Henry says
They make a great main meal or an appetizer. The flavors just work so well together!
wilhelmina says
These meatballs are so easy and always a party favorite! Thanks for reminding me how yummy they are!
Erin Henry says
Yes, this recipe is an evergreen one that works for so many occasions. They are just so good!
darlene olson says
These are absolutely delicious! We all love them at our house! So easy and yet so very good!!
Erin says
I know!! We just love this recipe! Enjoy!
Julie says
Try it with kielbasa. It's fantastic!!! I've been making this for 25 years ????
Erin says
I love this idea, Julie!! Thanks for sharing it. I'm sure it is VERY delicious! Happy New Year!
Marva | sunSPARKLEshine says
I can't wait to try this the next time I have friends over. It looks so simple and tasty. Must be a real hit!
Thanks for sharing.
Erin says
It's a sure bet! It's been the hit of every party/potluck we've taken it to. Thanks for stopping by, Marva.
Nikki says
Erin, I've never made these and if you would tell me about the ingredients and not show me the recipe I would thank you were messing with me. Grape jelly and chili sauce ketchup? You know I really have to try this now, cuz this sounds kind of amazing. Either that or this is an early April Fool's Day post. LOL I used to work with a woman who would use orange marmalade in her meatballs, but I've never heard of using grape jelly.
I absolutely love my crockpot and I love quick and fast, so this is getting pinned and stumbled so that I remember to make this for our next get-together. I am really intrigued.
Erin says
You're so funny, Nikki! I thought the same thing...grape jelly, what?? But trust me it works and it's g-o-o-d! It's so simple, but tastes like a million bucks! Enjoy!
sherry says
These look so good and easy! I have not ever put chili sauce in my meatballs, but I bet it makes them taste wonderful. My family would love them!
Erin says
Yeah, I thought the ingredients were a little interesting the first time, but after that, I was hooked! Enjoy, Sherry!
Angela says
I'm always looking for simple dishes to make! Thanks for the great recipe!
Erin says
Yes, this is definitely simple and easy. And the flavor is great. I hope you family enjoys them, Angela!
Marilyn says
I use grape jelly in my crock pot ribs! I bet it is wonderful with the meat balls! Pinned and shared. Thanks for linking up at #ThursdayFavoriteThings! I hope you will join me Monday at #OverTheMoon!
Marilyn says
Added you to Recipe Sharing board and yummed! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe at The Recipe Sharing Pin and Yum Party! I hope to see you next week. Pinned and Yummed.
Please visit Thursday Favorite Things for more sharing fun!
Lindsay says
OMG I'm obsessed with this! I can't wait to try it out this weekend. I LOVE LOVE LOVE crockpot recipes! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!
Erin says
This recipe is super easy and super good! I'm so glad you're going to give it a try. Let me know how it goes, Lindsay.
Chellile says
I've seen these with ketchup, but not chili sauce! What a great idea. Trying these at my next party!!
Erin says
These are so good. The chili sauce gives then a little tang!
Kathryn says
Erin, this post is so timely. My little girl just brought me her plastic spaghetti and meatball toy meal from her play kitchen. We talked about how it would be fun to make meatballs. Awesome! Time to buy grape jelly. 🙂