The aroma of sweet and savory melds together in a dance of flavors as you prepare Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce. Imagine the juicy meatballs simmering away, their tender texture promising a burst of delightful taste that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. baked lentil meatballs with tzatziki.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of serving these meatballs at every holiday gathering. The laughter, the bubbling sauce, and the joy on everyone’s faces created memories that I cherish to this day. decadent hot fudge chocolate cake Whether it’s game day or a cozy weeknight dinner, these meatballs never fail to impress with their unique twist on comfort food.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This recipe for Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce is incredibly easy to prepare. The flavor profile combines sweetness and savoriness that everyone loves. Their rich, glossy appearance makes them irresistible at any gathering. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a fun family dinner. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I served these at a friend’s party; they vanished faster than you could say “seconds please!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for moist meatballs without excess grease—about 80/20 works wonders.
Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs; they help bind the meatballs while ensuring a tender texture.
Eggs: Two large eggs will act as your binding agent—don’t skip this step for perfect meatball consistency.
Onion Powder: A sprinkle adds depth; you can substitute with fresh onions if you prefer more bite.
Garlic Powder: It infuses an aromatic kick; garlic lovers like me can always add extra. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
Soy Sauce: A splash enhances umami flavor—be sure to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Grape Jelly: The star ingredient! Choose pure grape jelly for maximum sweetness and stickiness.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for added smokiness and complexity in flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing the Meatball Mixture: Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Forming the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. This helps keep them organized before cooking and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix grape jelly and barbecue sauce until well blended. This magical concoction creates an irresistible glaze that coats your meatballs beautifully.
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place all formed meatballs into your crockpot. Pour the grape jelly sauce over them evenly to ensure each meatball gets its fair share of sweetness. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Pierogi Casserole recipe.
Crockpot Cooking Time: Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As they cook, enjoy the amazing aromas wafting through your home—it’s pure bliss!
Serving Suggestions: Once done cooking, serve these delectable meatballs warm! They pair well with toothpicks for easy snacking or over rice for a hearty meal option.
Enjoy your culinary journey as you whip up these delicious Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce! delicious crockpot kielbasa recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These crockpot meatballs with grape jelly sauce are the ultimate party pleaser. The sweet and tangy flavors create a delightful combination that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can focus on enjoying your time. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients in a bowl, then brown them in a skillet for extra flavor before transferring to the crockpot. Pour the grape jelly sauce over and let it cook on low for about 6 hours.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out grape jelly for barbecue sauce or add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. You can also mix in chopped onions or garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or return them to the crockpot on low until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect meatballs, ensure your ground meat is well-seasoned. Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning; give each meatball space to develop a nice crust. Lastly, use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out. [/info_box]
Sometimes, I whip these up last minute for gatherings and hear raves from friends who can’t believe how simple yet delicious they are.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add extra cooking time if you’re using frozen ones.
What can I serve with crockpot meatballs?
They pair beautifully with rice, pasta, or even as sliders on buns. cheesy focaccia sliders for gatherings.
How do I make these meatballs healthier?
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and opt for sugar-free grape jelly.
Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasers that combine sweet and savory flavors for an unforgettable dish. These juicy, tender meatballs simmer slowly in a luscious sauce, making them perfect for any occasion—be it game day, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. With minimal prep time and a delicious outcome, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup pure grape jelly
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, combine grape jelly and barbecue sauce until smooth.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot and pour the grape jelly sauce over them evenly.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Appetizer/Party Food
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
