Crock Pot Meatballs in Grape Jelly Chili Sauce
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Thank you!
Crock Pot meatballs in grape jelly chili sauce is a classic 3 ingredients appetizer that is perfect for parties. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, sweet, and spicy appetizer that is guaranteed to please a crowd.
Are you hosting a party and need a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Look no further than Crock Pot Meatballs in Grape Jelly Chili Sauce! Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together, a game-day party, or just a casual evening with friends, this classic meatball dish is perfect for any gathering,
These meatballs are easy to make, require minimal supervision, and allow you to focus on the fun. The slow cooker does all of the work and keeps the meatballs warm, so guests can help themselves, and you won’t have to worry about constantly reheating appetizers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen meatballs – I highly recommend the Homestyle meatballs. We did try out the Angus beef meatballs recently and we just felt they had too much seasoning and they were a little too large.
- Grape jelly – Any grape jelly will work but we usually use Welch’s.
- Heinz Chili sauce – This is basically a spicy ketchup. The spice melds with the sweet jelly to make a delicious sauce for the meatballs.
Put a holiday spin on these! Try our Crock Pot Cranberry Sauce Meatballs!
The Perfect Slow-Cooking Method
This recipe is so simple. Just two easy steps!
- Put the ingredients together. Add the frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce to the slow cooker and stir everything together so the meatballs are well-coated.
- Cook. Set your slow cooker to low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints. Stir every 30 minutes to keep the meatballs coated in the sauce.
Cooking the meatballs on low heat allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory glaze that perfectly coats each meatball. The crock pot also helps keep the meatballs tender while infusing them with sweet and spicy sauce.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Large Gatherings
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it’s scalable. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large event, you can easily double or even triple the batch without much additional effort. The crock pot takes care of the hard work for you, making it easy to feed a crowd. Plus, since the meatballs stay warm in the slow cooker, you don’t have to worry about them getting cold or drying out as the party goes on.
Serving Suggestions for Your Party
These meatballs are best served hot straight from the crock pot. Set the slow cooker to “keep warm” so that guests can serve themselves throughout the event. Place toothpicks or small skewers next to the slow cooker for an elegant touch to allow for easy serving. You can also pair these meatballs with other party favorites like mini sliders, vegetable platters, or deviled eggs to create a well-rounded appetizer spread.
For a visual pop, garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving. The vibrant greens add a fresh contrast to the rich, glossy meatballs.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (though they’re usually gone in a flash!), you can easily store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These meatballs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place them back in the slow cooker on low heat or warm them in the microwave. The sauce will thicken slightly after refrigeration, so feel free to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.
Absolutely! Add hot sauce, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your liking.
You can keep them on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours without any issue. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Yes, you can experiment with other types of jelly like apricot or cranberry, but grape jelly provides the classic flavor.
Like this recipe?
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipes like this.
Crock Pot Meatballs in Grape Jelly Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- 28 ounces Frozen meatballs, we suggest homestyle meatballs
- 20 ounces Grape jelly
- 12 ounces Heinz Chili sauce
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce to the slow cooker and stir everything together so the meatballs are well-coated.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints. Stir every 30 minutes to keep the meatballs coated in the sauce.
- Serve in the slow cooker to keep them warm through your event.
Nutrition
