Imagine walking into your home after a long day, the air thick with a sweet and savory aroma that instantly transports you to a cozy dinner party. That’s the magic of crockpot meatballs with grape jelly sauce—tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that has everyone asking for seconds. Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans Picture the scene: friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as they dive into these delicious bites. Kimchi Baked Beans You can’t help but smile as you serve them up, knowing you’ve struck flavor gold.
Now, let’s be real. Who doesn’t love a dish that practically cooks itself while you binge-watch your favorite show? The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but in how effortlessly it fits into any occasion—from casual game nights to festive holiday gatherings. Cheesy Focaccia Sliders As you prepare this delightful dish, anticipate the chorus of “Wow!” and “Mmm!” that will echo through your kitchen. Trust me; this is one flavor journey you’ll want to dive into.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These crockpot meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile will surprise and delight your taste buds
- Their glossy appearance makes them an irresistible addition to any spread
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main courses for various occasions
Sometimes, I whip up these crockpot meatballs for family get-togethers and watch as my relatives polish off an entire platter without breaking a sweat—it’s like watching magic happen right before my eyes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe.
-
Breadcrumbs: I prefer seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; they help bind everything together.
-
Eggs: One egg adds moisture and structure to keep those meatballs from falling apart.
-
Onion: Finely chopped onion enhances flavor; opt for yellow or white varieties for sweetness.
-
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth; feel free to add fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy.
-
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances sweetness with umami; it’s essential for that savory kick.
-
Grape Jelly: The star ingredient! It creates a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and enticingly unique.
-
Ketchup: Adds tanginess and complements the grape jelly perfectly; don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, and soy sauce until well mixed. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there!
Forming Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions. Place them on a baking sheet while you prepare the sauce.
Preparing the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together grape jelly and ketchup until smooth and well combined—this creates that irresistible glaze everyone loves. Fried Egg Yolk Burrata Toast.
Cooking Time!: Place the meatballs in your crockpot and pour the grape jelly sauce over them. Set on low heat and let them cook for 6-8 hours or until they are tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions: Once cooked, serve these tasty meatballs with toothpicks as appetizers or alongside rice for a heartier meal. Garnish with chopped parsley for some color!
Enjoy your culinary creation as laughter fills your home once again!
You Must Know
- Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce are a game-changer for busy weeks
- They’re simple to make, and the sweet and tangy flavor will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, they make great leftovers, perfect for sandwiches or snacks!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly before rolling them into perfectly sized balls. Place them in the crockpot before pouring the grape jelly sauce over them to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out grape jelly for barbecue sauce or even homemade marinara. Adding crushed red pepper can also lend a spicy kick if you like a little heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For moist meatballs, don’t overmix your meat
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for great flavor
- Experiment with different sauces; they can transform your dish entirely!
Cooking these meatballs has become a family tradition during gatherings, with everyone eagerly waiting for that first mouthful of sweet goodness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Yes, frozen meatballs work well; just extend cooking time by an hour.
What can I serve with Crockpot Meatballs?
Serve them with toothpicks as appetizers or over rice for a hearty meal.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs (8 servings) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with these easy-to-make crockpot meatballs. Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a glossy grape jelly sauce create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to impress with minimal effort. Gather your friends and family around the table for a flavorful experience that will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic powder, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, combine grape jelly and ketchup until smooth.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot and pour the grape jelly sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
- Serve hot with toothpicks as appetizers or alongside rice for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
