Description
Hearty grape jelly meatballs combine sweet and savory flavors in a crowd-pleasing dish that delights dinner guests. Succulent beef meatballs glazed with tangy grape jelly create an irresistible comfort meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Transfer frozen meatballs into a slow cooker, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom.
- Create a glossy sauce by thoroughly whisking grape jelly and barbecue sauce until completely blended and no lumps remain.
- Generously drench meatballs with the prepared sauce, gently rotating the cooking vessel to ensure comprehensive coating.
- For slow cooker method, seal lid and maintain low temperature setting for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to become tender.
- Alternatively, for stovetop preparation, simmer the sauced meatballs over medium-low heat for approximately 25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and ensure uniform heating.
- Oven technique involves covering the meatball mixture with aluminum foil and baking at 350°F for 30 minutes, creating a rich, glossy finish.
- Once cooking is complete, delicately stir the meatballs to redistribute the sauce and guarantee each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Present the meatballs piping hot, optionally garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for an elegant touch and added visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose high-quality grape jelly with real fruit for a richer, more authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Opt for lean meatballs to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more balanced sauce consistency.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free barbecue sauce and confirm meatball ingredients are wheat-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (also depending on method)
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg