What is it about meatballs that we love?
Go to any potluck or party and if there is a Crock Pot of meatballs sitting out, you will usually find a group of
folks standing around eating them as they talk. They draw us into their meaty goodness.
I won't name any names, but I've known a couple of vegetarians who have snuck in a
meatball when no one was looking...
Go to any potluck or party and if there is a Crock Pot of meatballs sitting out, you will usually find a group of
folks standing around eating them as they talk. They draw us into their meaty goodness.
I won't name any names, but I've known a couple of vegetarians who have snuck in a
meatball when no one was looking...
This recipe is a blast from the past. This particular appetizer was popularized back in the 50's.
Back when a formal room was highly coveted, soldiers were home from the war and starting families,
housewives were competing to be the best hostess on the block while their men were learning
how to grill the best cuts of meat money could buy.
Okay, I may be overly fantasizing a bit but the 1950's were a turning point in food
and entertaining in this country.
Back when a formal room was highly coveted, soldiers were home from the war and starting families,
housewives were competing to be the best hostess on the block while their men were learning
how to grill the best cuts of meat money could buy.
Okay, I may be overly fantasizing a bit but the 1950's were a turning point in food
and entertaining in this country.
Not all party foods made the cut, Green Jell-o molds anyone?
This recipe has stood the test of time.
The original recipe calls for using Heinz Chili sauce, which is tasty in it's own right.
However, a few years ago, I went to a party and the host made it with BBQ sauce and I was hooked!
The BBQ sauce give these meatballs just a little more oomph.
And speaking of BBQ sauce, I did a small informal poll on facebook a couple of weeks ago.
I asked everyone what their favorite bottled BBQ sauce was.
The original recipe calls for using Heinz Chili sauce, which is tasty in it's own right.
However, a few years ago, I went to a party and the host made it with BBQ sauce and I was hooked!
The BBQ sauce give these meatballs just a little more oomph.
And speaking of BBQ sauce, I did a small informal poll on facebook a couple of weeks ago.
I asked everyone what their favorite bottled BBQ sauce was.
The overwhelming winner? Sweet Baby Rays!
And don't be thrown off by the grape jelly if you've never tried these before.
I promise, you don't taste the grape at all.
It just adds a nice, lightly sweet background flavor and gives a nice consistency to the sauce.
Also, I've tried making this before using meatballs I made from scratch.
Do yourself a favor, just go with the prepackaged ones.
They really hold up better and don't fall apart as easy as the homemade ones do.
I promise, you don't taste the grape at all.
It just adds a nice, lightly sweet background flavor and gives a nice consistency to the sauce.
Also, I've tried making this before using meatballs I made from scratch.
Do yourself a favor, just go with the prepackaged ones.
They really hold up better and don't fall apart as easy as the homemade ones do.
Ingredients:
1 (32 oz.) bag frozen meatballs
1 (18 oz.) jar grape jelly
1 (18 oz.) bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce
Directions:
Pour the meatballs, grape jelly and BBQ sauce into your slow cooker and stir well until combined.
Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2 – 2 ½ hours until
completely cooked through (stirring occasionally).
Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2 – 2 ½ hours until
completely cooked through (stirring occasionally).
When they are ready, just set your crock pot to the "keep warm" setting and let guests serve themselves.
Just place small bowls and toothpicks next to the meatballs.
Everyone is going to love these!
Just place small bowls and toothpicks next to the meatballs.
Everyone is going to love these!
 |
| I go with the store brand whenever I can. These work great! |
Enjoy!
I am with you on the already prepared meatballs! I've had this recipe with the chili sauce before but never with bbq. Sounds yummy! I love anything with BBQ sauce.
ReplyDeleteI make mine with BBQ sauce and grape jelly. And, yes, it is always Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce in this house. Love it! I'll be making these on Saunday for our family's SuperBowl munchies. My kids are excited about our "snack food dinner" that night :)
ReplyDeleteJenn
These look yummy! I have a half box of meatballs in the freezer waiting to be used, i think i might give this a try!
ReplyDeleteBrandie, Since I've started reading your blog, my slow cooker has gone into overdrive! I always leave here with some great ideas and a smile... Thanks for keeping it simple and real.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this recipe. I always wanted to find out how to make these!
ReplyDeleteOh, yum...I think this is the classic Super Bowl dish...my boys would be thrilled with a plate of these...and I know how wonderful the house would be with these warming in the crock pot! Thanks, Brandie :)
ReplyDeleteWow, your meatballs look so yummy! I like the fact that there is a shortcut involved. Sometimes it gets so busy and this little shortcuts are life savers!!!! Grape Jelly, love it! Thank for sharing Brandie :)
ReplyDeleteSweet Baby Ray's here too! But no grape jelly. Maybe I need to try it that way....
ReplyDeleteLately I've had to back off on making these so much because certain men in the house overindulge and we have BIG heartburn issues from the seasoned meatballs.
I love this recipe though because it's so "fire and forget!" And you only need 4 hours, not 8-10 hours like many other Crock Pot specialties!
Thanks for sharing!
Instead of the jelly, I used The Jug BBQ sauce along with the sweet baby rays, mixed them together, and they flew out of the dish! I made dozens of smaller meat balls and just added sauce whenever it seemed to need more. The jug has a polynesian flavor and offsets the other BBQ sauce just right. Try it, we love them!
DeleteYou are right ! Go to a potluck or party, and someone always brings these wonderful meatballs. Sometimes it's BBQ sauce or chili sauce, but always the grape jelly.
ReplyDeleteWe still have a big jar of grape jelly in the fridge. My husband made these meatballs to take to work during Christmas week.
Happy Super Bowl!
Oh I love these little guys... so tasty!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic Brandy, and I love your photo!!It is mouthwatering!!!
ReplyDeleteIdk, this is really weird. Grape jelly in the sauce? I guess I will just have to trust you. This is the kind of thing that I would make and not dare tell my husband what was in it until after he scarfed it all down and raved about it. I am always up for trying something different!
ReplyDeleteMeatballs are one of my favorite comfort foods. So delicious. Such a creative take on it.
ReplyDeleteThese sound great Bran! And Yay for Great Value! I get most of my stuff at Walmart!!
ReplyDeleteYay for lifesaving shortcuts when it comes down to a party :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for warm welcome on Chef's Dennis blog :)
Annie - you gotta trust me girl! I wouldn't steer you wrong! :)
ReplyDeleteThese look so simple and delicious! I love coming across easy-to-make recipes like this one. And thanks for the heads up on the grape jelly--it is indeed an unusual ingredient. But I totally belive it works!
ReplyDeleteNow that is my kind of party food!
ReplyDeleteStore bought meatballs have come a long way. Using a slow cooker makes them really yummy. You are right, it's tried and true.
ReplyDeletePlan B
Looks delicious! I have seen grape jelly+bbq sauce meatballs before but have never tried them. I'll take your word that the jelly taste doesn't shine through! :-)
ReplyDeleteVisiting from It's a Keeper
Mmm they look good! I thought about making meatballs for tomorrow, but I just haven't decided yet. And you're right about the grape jelly - it's good! I was very surprised when my mother-in-law told me that was the "secret" to her really good party meatballs!
ReplyDeleteThese look great and I'll be giving them a try...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also made this for the super bowl party and I made 60 of them none were left,Great Recipe.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAh, these are like the little smokies we make only we use ketchup and grape jelly. Never thought about doing meatballs. Would sure make them last longer!
ReplyDeleteYes, I admit that I'm a meatball hound too. I also admit that I've never made them myself. I need to though. We'd just sit and eat them (which is not a bad thing). :)
ReplyDeleteThese look so comforting. Meatballs are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that I needed to get rid of the frozen meatballs in my fridge, and this sounds so easy. Thanks for the inspiration. You should link up with *Fun for Kids Friday* http://www.localfunforkids.com/
ReplyDeleteNo Party is complete without Meatballs and your recipe looks very good. I am so happy that you brought them to share with us at Full Plate Thursday and we look forward to seeing you next week!
ReplyDeleteOK, I had to take a look at this recipe too before signing off tonite. I know what you mean about this being a fav at pot lucks. I too am a Sweet Baby Rae's fan and never heard of trying these with BBQ sauce. Adding this to my list for sure! And how do you get your pics to look so absolutely YUMMY?
ReplyDeleteLove these:) You should come link them up to Crock Pot Wednesday. Hope to see you there.
ReplyDeletei will try this ,during holidays i use jellied cranberry sauce an one bottle of chili sauce.
ReplyDeleteGrape jelly? That is brilliant, Brandie! I'd love if you'd consider sharing this recipe in the online Get Grillin' & summer bbq event I'm sponsoring (it's appetizer week right now).
ReplyDeleteI love a good meatball. I make cocktail weenies w/ ketchup and cranberry sauce, so this makes perfect sense to me! Thanks for sharing @ Church Supper!
ReplyDeleteI had these during the holidays and was amazed at how yummy they are. I'm glad I came cross the recipe so I can enjoy them more often. Great call in rue jelly. Really gives it a twist.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to come back & let me know how it turned out for you! So glad you liked them!!
ReplyDeleteJust made these with turkey meatballs and sugar free grape jelly to make it slightly more healthy - still delicious! Give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI used to make it this way all the time! Now I switch back and forth from this to
ReplyDeleteChili Sauce and a can of cranberries!
Both are a delicious snack for football days!
Anyone ever tried apple jelly or red pepper jelly? Just trying to use up what I've got on hand, to avoid going to the store today
ReplyDeleteWhen I make these, I also go with the pre-made store brand. I add the grape jelly and BBQ sauce but I also add brown sugar and honey to taste.
ReplyDeleteMade this for dinner today... a huge hit with the kids the absolutely love it!!
ReplyDeleteWe get these meatballs from Wal-Mart! They really are delicious! Thanks for the recipe. Sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteWe get these meatballs from Wal-Mart. They are delicious! Thank
ReplyDeleteyou for the recipe!
I just love these...There are never any left..They are ready in about 40 mins but the longer you cook them the more tender and tastier they get..love love love them..add some hot sauce to give them some zing...great turn over meals next night(if any left) put them over egg noodles or make a sandwich with them!
ReplyDeleteI've used this recipe for years! I make it a lot when we have a function at work because it's so easy and portable. I have in recent years though changed from meatballs to little weenies. I can fit a lot more into the crockpot and feed a lot more people.
ReplyDeleteI have used Grape jelly in a similar recipe using Cocktail Smokies and the addition of crushed pineapple and diced jalapenos. Will have to try this Meatball version, sounds delish!
ReplyDeleteThia is my first attempt at this....Got the boys over--football, ribs, wings & now meatballs!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love these but changed it up for some senior citizens who had blood sugar issues. I used premade meatballs also, a no brainer, and added fruit only cherry jam,1/2 cup no sugar added catsup, 1/4 cup Country Bob's Sauce, and small can of crushed pineapple in juice. Everyone loved it, not just diabetics, and those said it did not bother their blood sugar.There are no bad crockpot meatballs!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking for this recipe. I did not know how much grape jelly to use..I have it in the pantry..going out to buy meatballs and Diana BBQ sauce now!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
June
Well here it is Thanksgiving Day and I have a taste for meatballs. I came on here to see if there were any recipes and I found this one with the grape jelly and Rays BBQ sauce. I am going to use homemade grape jelly with this and see how it turns out. I always keep some Rays Sweet BBQ sauce and I had a 32oz. bag of store brand meatballs. They are in the crockpot now and I'll be sure to let you know how everyone liked them. Thanks for the help. Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try this with BBQ sauce. I made this tonight with the Heinz Chili Sauce, but the BBQ sounds more yummy. You do not taste the grape jelly -it cooks down. Also going to try the frozen meatballs. I did mine from scratch and they stayed together but were a bit dry.
ReplyDeleteWhich Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce does everyone use? There are several different flavors of Sweet Baby Ray.
ReplyDeleteThis is EXACTLY what I use- Sweet Baby Rays and even WalMart's meatballs. Yum!
ReplyDeleteSmoked or polish sausages cut into one inch pieces works well with this sauce too. I buy the three pound packages. I love this with chili sauce, but the bar-b-que version is yummy too.
ReplyDeleteRudy's BBQ sause cannot be beat. Rudy's is a Texas BBQ chain that can be found online. Best BBQ I have ever tasted.
ReplyDeleteI'm making these tonight but they were out of sweet baby rays!! So I went with bullseye. Hopefully they turn out good they look delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteI have always blended chili sauce and cranberry sauce in a pan on the stove and poured it over the meatballs. Now I will have a new one to try! Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteMy cousin from Australia has just rented a slushy machine for her party next week, then I saw this blog, so I thought, these meatballs would taste great with slushy! Looks like I'll be drinking too much frozen cocktails in Perth next week... Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteI have always been leary of packaged frozen meatballs. Sounds like the Walmart brand are good? Would sure be easier than having to make meatballs from scratch.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - yes I've had good luck with the Wal-Mart brand and other store brands as well. Obviously homemade meatballs are awesome. The only reason why I don't recommend the homemade for these is because they always fall apart at some point during the heating up in the crock pot. I've tried it several times - even tried freezing them. They would still fall apart or would get so soft, folks couldn't easily scoop them up with a toothpick. The frozen, packaged just hold up better and taste great with this combo. of flavors. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried the meatballs with chili sauce and cranberry sauce. YUMMY
ReplyDeleteI like the grape jelly/SBR BBQ also! Im gopint to try it with Apricot Jelly this time, Ill let ya know how it is.
ReplyDeleteUsed this recipe for a munchie during the superbowl game for our guests. It was beyond easy to prepare, very tasty and a huge hit with our guests. Will be making them again in the future!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I didn't miss this in the comments, but what size crockpot do you use? I only have a 4qt so I didn't know if it would all fit. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYay! So happy this was a good one for y'all! Leah - a 4 quart will work fine for this! I just wouldn't go any smaller than a 4 quart. :) ~Brandie
ReplyDeleteI use Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ Sauce for the meatballs; making 2 large crocks full for my daughters wedding shower as I type this!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe! I added some finely chopped onion; and after few hours added some flour for thickening.
ReplyDeleteI love these, always a hit! I use a spicy salsa but basically get the same, yummy result! Guests are always shocked when I divulge the "recipe".
ReplyDeleteMaking these for supper tonight :)
ReplyDeleteI make this sometimes when we head for the weekend home on the block of the motor inside the hood/bonnet. I start the recipe at my home in Houston by putting everything in a big plastic covered bowl, microwaving, stirring in any other flavors I want to try (onion powder, various rubs, even cream of mushroom soup), and then wrap it all 3x into foil recipe. You don't know the meatballs are there if you are moving in her car (the motor is in the back of her sports car). Still my wife kept asking when we got into traffic if I could smell BBQ but I just would say, well its Friday night - people must be BBQ'ing. When we got to the lake, we emptied the car of the few things we carry back and forth including a cheese plate and wine. Wanting to capture the sunset on the water, I carried the snacks out back and poured my bride a glass of wine. Whilst she asked about our dinner plans, I crept away, retrieved a nice serving dish and two bowls and chopsticks, opened the hood, retrieved the meatballs (she was already suspicious)and served my favorite food critic. It is nice to use the rolling kitchen in your car motor and you never heat up the house. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteif I need to dbl this would it be best to make it twice or just dbl ingredients? Sometimes it's no good to dbl. thanks
ReplyDelete