Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory that will leave your guests begging for more! Our Grape Jelly and BBQ Meatballs are the perfect crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavors of grape jelly and tangy BBQ sauce to create an irresistible dish that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a comforting treat, these meatballs deliver on all fronts. Trust us, once you try this delightful recipe, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Remove the frozen meatballs from the packaging and let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly thaw.
- In a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the grape jelly and BBQ sauce, whisking them together until smooth and well blended.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture, ensuring each meatball is fully coated with the sauce.
- If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating.
- If using a saucepan, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook the meatballs in the sauce for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they are heated through completely and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Once heated, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, or as a main dish with your favorite side vegetables.
Tips
- Thawing the Meatballs: Allow the frozen meatballs to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly in the sauce.
- Mixing the Sauce: For a smoother sauce, whisk the grape jelly and BBQ sauce together thoroughly. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jelly to suit your taste.
- Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop: Using a slow cooker allows for a more hands-off approach, but if you’re short on time, the stovetop method can get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Stir Occasionally: If using a slow cooker, remember to stir occasionally to ensure all meatballs are evenly coated and heated through.
- Check the Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them as a delicious appetizer, over a bed of rice for a hearty meal, or alongside your favorite side vegetables for a complete dinner.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make a fantastic addition to sandwiches or salads the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
