Sweet & Savory Grape Jelly Meatballs
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and savory with these Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs. Perfect for parties, game day, or any family gathering, these tender meatballs are made with lean beef and a flavorful mix of ingredients. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the grape jelly and chili sauce create a deliciously tangy glaze that everyone will love. Your guests will be coming back for seconds with this crowd-pleasing treat!
100
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean beef, ground
2 lbs (uncooked)
potato
1/4 cup (peeled and grated)
egg
1 (beaten)
onion
1 small (grated)
breadcrumbs
to taste (for binding)
salt
to taste (freshly ground)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Heinz Chili Sauce
13 ounces (bottle)
grape jelly
5 ounces (jar)
Worcestershire sauce
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated potato, beaten egg, and grated onion. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2
Gradually add breadcrumbs to the meat mixture until the consistency is moist but holds shape. If too dry, add a touch of milk to help bind.
3
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
5
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meatballs in batches. If using very lean beef, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
6
While meatballs are browning, prepare the sauce by combining Heinz Chili Sauce, grape jelly, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
7
Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a slow cooker or crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
8
Cover and cook on low for several hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Savory Grape Jelly Meatballs?
They are a popular party appetizer featuring beef meatballs cooked in a tangy, sweet glaze made from grape jelly and chili sauce.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef to ensure the meatballs are tender without being overly greasy.
Why is grated potato used in the meatball mixture?
Grated potato acts as a binder and helps keep the meatballs moist during the cooking process.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 100 people, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What is the recommended size for the meatballs?
The mixture should be formed into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning, the meatballs should be transferred to a slow cooker to simmer in the sauce.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce consists of 13 ounces of Heinz Chili Sauce, 5 ounces of grape jelly, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, browning them in a skillet first helps them hold their shape and adds flavor.
How long should I cook the meatballs in the slow cooker?
Cook on the low setting for several hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
What should I do if the meat mixture is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry to hold its shape, you can add a touch of milk to help bind the ingredients.
Is the onion in the meatballs chopped or grated?
The recipe specifies using one small grated onion for a smooth consistency and even flavor distribution.
What type of chili sauce is best?
The recipe recommends using Heinz Chili Sauce for the most authentic flavor profile.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
One beaten egg is used to bind the meat, potato, and onion mixture together.
What role do breadcrumbs play?
Breadcrumbs are added gradually to help the meatball mixture reach a consistency that holds its shape.
Should the potato be peeled before grating?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of peeled and grated potato.
Can I use a different type of jelly?
While grape jelly is the traditional choice for this sweet and savory profile, other fruit preserves can be used for variations.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the skillet?
If you are using very lean beef, add a small amount of oil to the skillet before browning the meatballs.
Are these meatballs served as an appetizer or a main course?
They are typically served as an appetizer or party food, but they can also be served over rice as a main dish.
What seasonings are required?
The meatballs are seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How often should I stir the meatballs while they are in the slow cooker?
Stir them occasionally to ensure all meatballs remain well-coated with the sauce.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce in the glaze?
Yes, a dash of Worcestershire sauce is added to the chili sauce and jelly mixture for extra depth.
What makes this recipe 'sweet and savory'?
The combination of savory beef and spicy chili sauce balanced with the sweetness of grape jelly creates this classic flavor.
Is this a good recipe for game day?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a perfect snack for parties, game days, and family gatherings.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Stir the chili sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl until smooth before pouring over the meatballs.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, the slow-cooker method is great for preparing them in advance and keeping them warm for guests.
What should the consistency of the meat mixture be?
It should be moist but firm enough to be formed into 1-inch balls.
How many meatballs are formed from 2 lbs of beef?
Following the 1-inch diameter guideline, you will produce approximately 100 meatballs.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
While this recipe provides instructions for fresh meatballs, the sauce can be used with pre-made frozen meatballs in a pinch.
Is the potato flavor noticeable?
No, the grated potato blends into the meat to improve texture without altering the flavor significantly.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve them warm, often directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks for easy snacking.