Easy Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs are the perfect bite-size appetizer no one can resist. They're sweet and tangy, and all you need is simple 3-ingredients (grape jelly, chili sauce, and meatballs) and 5 minutes of cook time in the pressure cooker.
Tasty recipes that please a crowd are hard to come by. That's why Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs are such a classic.
They're sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.
Trust us. You can't eat just one.
The good news. Instant Pot Cocktail Meatballs are so simple to throw together and feed a gathering—they're a game day favorite. They're not just an appetizer. We enjoy them for dinner too!
If you need a set it and forget it easy appetizer recipe, try our Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe. Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are also a tasty meatball option.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients needed to make this sweet and sour meatballs recipe.
- Jar of Grape Jelly - the jelly gives the meatballs their sweet flavor. Any brand will do.
- Sweet Chili Sauce - we like Heinz Chili Sauce, usually sold in the condiment aisle at the grocery store. However, you can also use bbq sauce. Sweet Baby Rays is always a favorite.
- Frozen Meatballs - we like homestyle beef meatballs (as opposed to Italian meatballs), but turkey meatballs are also an option.
- Optional: Cornstarch and water to make a slurry to thicken the sauce.
Pro Tip: A little water added to the pot prevents a burn notice.
How do you make grape jelly meatballs in the Instant Pot?
- ADD INGREDIENTS TO PRESSURE COOKER - Place frozen meatballs in the insert of the Instant Pot. Add grape jelly, chili sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
- COOK - Lock the lid in place and set the vent to the sealed position. Select the "pressure cook" (high pressure) button and set the time to 5 minutes. (Note: It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to get to pressure and start counting down.)
- RELEASE PRESSURE - When the cooking time is done, turn off the Instant Pot (press cancel) and do a quick release of the pressure. After the valve drops, remove the lid.
- THICKEN SAUCE - If you like a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Then, turn on the "sauté" function and stir the cornstarch slurry into the meatballs and let them simmer until desired consistency.
You can use the warm setting until you're ready to serve.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- You can use whatever type of frozen meatball you like. Homestyle versus Italian is our favorite. Turkey meatballs are also good.
- When using frozen meatballs, there is no need to defrost them before cooking.
- If you like spicy meatballs, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatballs before you cook them.
- To garnish, top with green onions.
- We like to serve them with toothpicks, so they're easy to eat.
- The recipe is made in a 6-quart Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. We like this highly-rated Instant Pot.
Can I use fresh or homemade meatballs?
Yes, you can use fresh or homemade meatballs without changing the cooking time. However, refrigerate the meat for at least 30 minutes after forming to help them stay together while pressure cooking.
What to Eat with Grape Jelly Meatballs?
If you're having your grape jelly meatballs with dinner, eat them with mashed potatoes, brown rice, or pasta. A green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
When entertaining, serve your Instant Pot Cocktail Meatballs in a large bowl or serving dish with toothpicks. We highly recommend you place some of the extra sauce in a small container with a spoon so people can use it for dipping!
Storing
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for five days.
Reheat them in a microwave-safe dish for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how many are warming.
Freezing
To freeze your meatballs, cool them completely, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Don't forget to label and date them!
Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat them in a microwave-safe dish.
Variations
- INSTANT POT CRANBERRY MEATBALLS - substitute cranberry sauce for the grape jelly, and you have a festive holiday favorite.
- INSTANT POT BBQ and JELLY MEATBALLS - substitute the chili sauce for the barbeque sauce of your choice.
- ANY JAM or JELLY FLAVOR - Orange marmalade, blackberry, peach jam, or apricot preserves work perfectly for these Instant Pot Meatballs.
Instant Pot Party Meatballs are a great make-ahead dish. Their sauce keeps them moist and delicious whether you make them a day ahead or when keeping them warm before serving them.
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Mac & Cheese - with only 4 minutes of cooking time, this is one quick and easy recipe.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - place all your ingredients in your pressure cooker, and dinner is done in less than 30 minutes!
- Instant Pot Spaghetti - a hearty meat-filled family favorite that never disappoints.
Let us know how it goes!
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Printable Recipe
Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Spatula or cooking spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (approx. 32 ounces of meatballs)
- 2½ cups grape jelly (any brand will do)
- 12 ounces chili sauce (we use Heinz)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs in the insert of the Instant Pot. Add grape jelly, chili sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
- Lock the lid in place and set the vent to the sealed position. Select the "pressure cook" (high pressure) button and set the time to 5 minutes. (Note: It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to get to pressure and start counting down.)
- When the cooking time is done, turn off the Instant Pot (press cancel) and do a quick release of the pressure. After the valve drops, remove the lid.
- If you like a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Then, turn on the "sauté" function and stir the cornstarch slurry into the meatballs and let them simmer until desired consistency.
Video
Notes
- You can use whatever type of frozen meatball you like. Homestyle versus Italian is our favorite. Turkey meatballs are also good.
- When using frozen meatballs, there is no need to defrost them before cooking.
- If you like spicy meatballs, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatballs before you cook them.
Jennifer says
These meatballs are totally addicting!! So easy & delicious!
jess says
this is so much better than what I thought it was going to taste! thank you for sharing this recipe
Erin Henry says
Thanks for giving it a try, Jess! Enjoy!
Katie says
These have great flavor and are so easy to throw together!
Jennifer says
LOVE these meatballs! So tasty, they’re addicting!
Erin Henry says
We couldn't agree more! These Instant Pot Meatballs are so addictive.
Kara says
Made these with some homemade meatballs I had in the freezer - the kids couldn't get enough of them. So easy, and so yummy!
Erin Henry says
The perfect way to use frozen meatballs, for sure! So glad the kids enjoyed them.
Laura Reese says
This recipe was so easy and so delicious. Planning to make again this weekend.
Erin Henry says
It's a great game day recipe, Laura. But it's also good for an easy weekend meal.