Sweet and Savory Delight: Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Written by Sarah Gardner

If you're looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines savory and sweet flavors in the most delightful way, grape jelly BBQ meatballs are your answer. This dish is perfect for potlucks, game days, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The blend of tangy BBQ sauce and the subtle sweetness of grape jelly creates a sticky, luscious glaze that turns ordinary meatballs into something truly irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or over rice for a heartier meal, these meatballs never disappoint.

Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet or Skillet
  • Saucepan or Slow Cooker
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork for added flavor and tenderness
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite brand; smoky flavors work best
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional, for a tangy kick

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
    glass mixing bowl filled with a mixture of raw ground beef and pork

Shape the Meatballs

  1. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook the Meatballs

  1. Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
  2. Skillet Method: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then cover and cook until fully done, about 10–12 minutes.

Make the Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine grape jelly and BBQ sauce. Stir until the jelly melts and the mixture is smooth. Add apple cider vinegar if you want a tangier flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently.

Combine

  1. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5–10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Serve

  1. Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy!

Pairings

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

  • Sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
  • Appetizers: Pair with toothpicks for a party-perfect snack.
  • Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad for balance.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought frozen meatballs work great. Just heat them according to the package instructions before tossing them in the sauce.

2. What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce complements the sweetness of the grape jelly beautifully, but you can use any BBQ sauce you love.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add the raw or pre-cooked meatballs to the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

4. Can I substitute the grape jelly?

If you’re feeling adventurous, swap grape jelly with cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or even peach jam for a twist on the classic flavor.

5. What meat should I use?

A mix of beef and pork gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use all beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

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