Three Ingredient Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

by | Dec 12, 2024

This post is sponsored by Simeks.  All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.  Read our disclosure here.

Looking for a quick, kid-friendly dish that doubles as the perfect appetizer for parties or an easy dinner idea? Grape jelly BBQ meatballs are your answer! This sweet-and-savory combo is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a recipe that works for even the busiest of moms – you’ll be the host with the most time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Approved: Sweet flavors meet tender meatballs—no complaints at the table!
  • Effortless: Using frozen meatballs means no defrosting or rolling meat by hand.
  • Versatile: Great for appetizers, main dishes, or even leftovers.

Ingredients

Grape jelly BBQ meatball ingredients
  • 2 bags (20-22 oz each) frozen meatballs (we love Simek’s for their flavor and convenience)
  • 1 jar (18 oz) grape jelly
  • 1 bottle (28 oz) BBQ sauce (use your family’s favorite brand)

If you’re cooking for a crowd, stick with the quantities above. If you’re preparing for a smaller group, use one bag of frozen meatballs and cut the jelly and BBQ sauce in half.

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Slow Cooker: Add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw—yay for saving time!
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the grape jelly and BBQ sauce until smooth. Pour it over the meatballs. You can also directly dump the jelly and BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, as it will mix and combine as it cooks.
  3. Cook: Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Cook for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce coats all the meatballs.
  4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks for appetizers or serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a family dinner. You can also hold in your slow cooker on ‘keep warm.’

Mom Tips for Success

  • Make It a Meal: Leftovers? Toss the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, or stuff them into slider buns for quick meatball sandwiches.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Prefer a tangier flavor? Add 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
  • Keep It Warm: Hosting a party? Keep the slow cooker on warm to serve meatballs throughout the event.
  • The Power of the Toothpick: Offer toothpicks with these grape jelly BBQ meatballs for effortless eating. Plus, they’re great for picky eaters and help add a little novelty!

Why Moms Love This Recipe

As a mom, I know how chaotic life can get. Whether planning a holiday party, hosting a playdate, or just trying to get dinner on the table, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

So, the next time you’re short on time but want to impress your guests—or just make your kids smile—give these grape jelly BBQ meatballs a try. They’ll be your new go-to recipe!

What’s your favorite way to serve meatballs? Let me know in the comments below!

Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

A quick, kid-friendly dish that doubles as the perfect appetizer for parties or an easy dinner idea? Grape jelly BBQ meatballs are your answer! This sweet-and-savory combo is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Appetizer
Servings 14

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing spoon
  • Toothpicks

Ingredients
  

  • 18 oz Grape jelly
  • 28 oz BBQ sauce
  • 2 bags Frozen meatballs roughly 40 oz

Instructions
 

  • Add frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker.
  • Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to meatballs in the slow cooker, stirring to cover meatballs. Sauce with combine as the meatballs cook.
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

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    Hi! I'm Alex Turnbull. I'm a registered dietitian specializing in introducing solids and picky eating. Most importantly, I'm a mom of two so I get how stressful feeding kids can be.

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