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–+ servings

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Tangy Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

The legendary 3-ingredient slow cooker party appetizer! Juicy halal beef meatballs simmered in a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze made from concord grape jelly, smoky barbecue sauce, and a dash of chili sauce. The undisputed #1 viral holiday party crowd-pleaser!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings (approx. 4 meatballs each)
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs & Sticky Glaze
  • 2 lbs frozen fully cooked cocktail-size meatballs approx. 50-60 halal beef meatballs
  • 1 jar 18 oz Concord grape jelly
  • 1 bottle 18 oz smoky sweet barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 bottle 6 oz Heinz chili sauce (or sweet chili sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
For Garnish & Serving
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds optional
  • Cocktail toothpicks or bamboo skewers for serving

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Whisk the Sweet & Tangy Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, chili sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth and combined.
  2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place frozen halal beef meatballs into a 4-to-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir with a wooden spoon until all meatballs are coated in the sauce.
  3. Slow Cook to Thick Glaze: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours), stirring once or twice halfway through. The sauce will reduce and caramelize into a thick, sticky, mahogany-colored glaze.
  4. Switch to Warm & Garnish: Reduce slow cooker heat setting to WARM. Sprinkle the top with sliced green onions, fresh chopped parsley, and toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with a jar of cocktail picks next to the pot, or transfer to a festive party platter for holiday entertaining!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Chef Secrets: 1. The magic sauce ratio: Combining sweet Concord grape jelly with smoky barbecue sauce and a splash of tangy chili sauce creates an irresistible caramelized glaze where the fruitiness balances the rich barbecue smoke. 2. No thawing needed: Add frozen meatballs straight from the bag into the slow cooker; they absorb the glaze as they heat through without falling apart. 3. Keep on warm: Once the glaze is bubbling and thick, switch your slow cooker to "Warm" so guests can graze on hot, tender meatballs with cocktail toothpicks all party long!

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