The Super Bowl is on Sunday and I have an incredibly easy and delicious appetizer to go along with game day. My husband makes these meatballs for all the family parties on my side, by request from my siblings. Ask any one of them. They all love these meatballs! Normally we use one bag of meatballs when we make these for parties. But this Christmas we decided to surprise my siblings by having twice the amount of meatballs. They were all thrilled, and it was the best Christmas they ever had. Ok, maybe not the BEST Christmas they’ve ever had. But these meatballs have the ability to make a party that much better! This is one of those recipes that people will be asking for when you bring this dish somewhere.
Sweet and Sour Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 32-40oz bag frozen meatballs
- 1 12-14 oz bottle chili sauce
- 1 18 oz jar grape jelly
Instructions
- Place all frozen meatballs in the crock pot. Pour entire contents of chili sauce and grape jelly jars over the meatballs.
- Cover and heat on low for 4 1/2 - 5 hours. Stir a couple of times throughout the heating process.
Kitchen tools and gadgets needed for this recipe:
- Red, White and Blue Jello Salad - May 22, 2025
- Ghost Krispy Treats - September 1, 2024
- 14 Days of Valentine’s Day with FREE Printable Tags - January 20, 2023
marissa89 says
I have personally made these several times, and every time, they get eaten so quickly! Everyone LOVES them!
Russ and Kristen says
We made them on Sunday and they were delicious! They are a new favorite!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
TiffanyG4409 says
These are AMAZING and GONE FAST so PREPARE ALOT for big groups
TiffanyG4409 says
These are amazing! Used a whole bag of meat balls from Sams and it was NOT enough.. BUY PLENTY!
Mark & Rachel says
Does the chilli sauce make them spicy? Specfically are these kid friendly?
T. says
I bought a sweet and tangy chili sauce.. but there are spicier ones on the shelf too. Buy the one for your preference 🙂
T. says
There are different kinds of chili sauce. I personally dont eat spicy food so I bought sweet and tangy chili sauce and everyone still loved it.!
Christina Castro-Miller says
What kind of chili sauce? There are so many.
Tracy says
I buy the 12 oz. Heinz Chili Sauce that you can find near the ketchup.
Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says
Great question, Christina! I always just buy the Walmart brand in mild spiciness. The bottle just says “Chili Sauce” on it. Depending on how spicy you want the meatballs, you can choose which level of hot to get.
Stacey Isch says
I have been making these for years. Every time I do people go crazy for them. I cook them on high for 3 hours. Thanks for posting this.
Michelle Ferguson says
How much grape jelly cause I have a large jar.
Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says
Oh Michelle, I’m so sorry I’m just now responding to this!! If you use around half a large jar you should be fine. This recipe is a good one that doesn’t require exact measurements on the jelly and chili sauce so you can use however much you’d like. Just mix it all together and give it a taste test.
Havacelet HaSharon says
How to cook the meatballs? What spices to add?
Vané says
What if I wanted to use ground beef instead of frozen meatballs? Will they fall apart? Should I sear them in a pan first to firm them up?
Brandy says
To answer your question at the top of this post — your recipe must be really popular on Pinterest right now, that’s where how I came upon it 🙂
Allison Miller says
Thanks, Brandy!! I appreciate you stopping by! 🙂
megangabol says
Thanks for the recipe! I found your site on Pinterest 🙂
Starr Caldwell says
I 1st tasted this recipe when a coworker made it for a potluck. I will be fixing this Saturday. I am sure my family will love this!
Debbie says
There are many sizes of grape jelly, could you be a little more specific regarding how much to use?
And how long to you cook them for?
ON low or High?
Thanks,
Deb
Allison Miller says
Deb, you will need the small jar of jelly around 18oz. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Jenna V says
These were a huge hit at my Halloween party! Worked great with homemade meatballs (2 lbs of turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, 2 eggs, 1 clove of garlic, salt & pepper). Make them bite size. With the jelly & the chili sauce it was great! Just make sure to stir while they’re cooking, once an hour or so.
Bryan Camp says
I’ve been making this recipe for years and love it. I add 1/4 cup lemon juice and sometimes a shake or two red pepper flakes, just to add a little punch.
Alli says
That’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip, Bryan! Can’t wait to give it a try.