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Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs

Tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a sweet and tangy sauce that's ready in minutes. A family favorite, quick enough for a weeknight and flavorful enough to make everyone happy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Sauce:
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar grape jelly
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Air Fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Blender
  • Immersion Blender

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. You can cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or use an air fryer.
  4. In a saucepan, whisk together the chili sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
  5. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.

Notes

For perfectly tender and flavorful Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs, don't overmix the meatball mixture; gentle handling ensures a lighter texture. Browning the meatballs before simmering in the sauce adds depth of flavor – just be sure not to cook them completely through at this stage. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to eliminate any jelly chunks. To customize the sweetness, adjust the amount of grape jelly to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Finally, allowing the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for a longer period gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in an even richer taste experience.