Tangy Grape Chili Meatballs
Delight your taste buds with these deliciously Tangy Grape Chili Meatballs, a twist on the classic jelly meatball dish. Infused with the perfect blend of chili sauce and tomato sauce, complemented by the sweet notes of grape jelly and a hint of spice from various peppers, these meatballs are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or simple family dinners, they are a flavorful and moist bite-sized treat everyone will love. Whether using pre-cooked meatballs, sausages, or Lil Smokies, their simplicity and rich taste make them a perennial favorite.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chili sauce
14 ounces (like Heinz)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (none)
grape jelly
32 ounces (none)
chopped mild green chilies
7 ounces ((4-ounce can can be used too, but 7 is preferred))
dried onion flakes
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
dried ancho chile powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste (optional))
pre-cooked frozen meatballs
2 lbs (thawed if preferred, Ikea recommended)
Instructions
1
Add chili sauce, tomato sauce, grape jelly, chopped chilies, onion flakes, garlic powder, curry powder, ancho chile powder, and chipotle powder to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
2
Add the pre-cooked frozen meatballs to the crockpot, stirring them gently until they are fully coated with the sauce.
3
Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the mixture for approximately 4 hours. If using thawed meatballs, reduce cooking time to 2 hours.
4
Serve these tangy treats hot and watch as they quickly become a crowd favorite. Be cautious with presentation as these may disappear rapidly.
5
For variety, try substituting Lil Smokies or sliced smoked sausage in place of meatballs. These alternatives work wonderfully with the sauce and offer delicious results.
6
Any leftover sauce can be used as a delightful dip or stored for future use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Grape Chili Meatballs?
They are a flavorful twist on classic jelly meatballs, featuring a blend of chili sauce, tomato sauce, and grape jelly with various spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time for frozen meatballs?
Frozen meatballs should be cooked for approximately 4 hours on low heat in a crockpot.
How long should I cook the meatballs if they are thawed?
If using thawed meatballs, reduce the cooking time to approximately 2 hours.
What setting should I use on my crockpot?
Set the crockpot to low heat for this recipe.
Which brand of chili sauce is suggested?
The recipe suggests using a chili sauce like Heinz.
Are there specific meatballs recommended for this recipe?
Pre-cooked frozen meatballs are used, and the Ikea brand is specifically recommended.
What size jar of grape jelly is needed?
The recipe requires 32 ounces of grape jelly.
How much chili sauce is required?
You will need 14 ounces of chili sauce.
How much tomato sauce is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
Can I use a smaller can of green chilies?
Yes, a 4-ounce can can be used, though 7 ounces of chopped mild green chilies is preferred.
What meat alternatives can I use instead of meatballs?
Lil Smokies or sliced smoked sausage work wonderfully as substitutes.
What spices provide the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from chopped mild green chilies, curry powder, ancho chile powder, and chipotle powder.
Is the chipotle powder mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of dried chipotle powder is optional and should be added to taste.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What type of onion is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes.
How much ancho chile powder is needed?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of dried ancho chile powder.
How much curry powder should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder, or adjust to your preference.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine chili sauce, tomato sauce, jelly, chilies, onion flakes, and all powders in the crockpot and stir until smooth.
When should I add the meatballs to the crockpot?
Add the meatballs after you have thoroughly mixed the sauce ingredients.
Do I need to coat the meatballs in the sauce?
Yes, stir the meatballs gently until they are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
How should these meatballs be served?
They should be served hot as an appetizer or bite-sized treat.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used as a dip or stored for future use.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these meatballs are described as ideal for gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
What is the weight of the meatballs required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of pre-cooked frozen meatballs.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is tangy, sweet, slightly spicy, and savory.
Is there any preparation needed for the tomato sauce?
No, there is no special preparation needed for the 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
Can I use fresh meatballs?
While the recipe specifies pre-cooked frozen meatballs, you can use fresh ones, though cooking times may vary.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Appetizers.
Is the sauce smooth or chunky?
The sauce is stirred into a smooth consistency, though it contains bits of chopped chilies and onion flakes.