Three ingredients and less than 20 minutes to make these Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs. This classic party food is easily and quickly made in the Instant Pot and has the delicious flavors that the slow cooker creates after cooking for hours.
This simple recipe for Grape Jelly Meatballs is great for potlucks, cookouts, tailgating, and game days. Easy to transport and easy to heat up - stick a pick in them and serve!
These Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious variation for parties and they're just as easy to make in the crockpot.
Ingredients in Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Frozen meatballs
- Heinz chili sauce
- Grape jelly
- Water - to build pressure
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs in the Instant Pot
Making Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs is very quick and easy. It takes just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes!
Layer the ingredients - Add the frozen meatballs into the inner liner of the Instant Pot. Layer the meatballs with the grape jelly.
Add the liquids - Pour in the bottle of chili sauce on top of the jelly. Pour in the water but do not stir. This step is important so that the Instant Pot won't read a burn notice.
Pressure cook - Close the lid and pressure cook on HIGH PRESSURE/MANUAL for 5 minutes. Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before removing the lid.
Stir and serve - Stir the ingredients together and serve.
For a thicker grape jelly sauce - If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the meatballs from the inner liner, stir 2 teaspoons of cornstarch together with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the sauce remaining in the pot. The sauce will thicken and the meatballs can be stirred back into the sauce.
RELATED: Instant Pot Taco Dip
What kind of meatballs can you use for Grape Jelly Meatballs?
You can use all kinds of meatballs for this recipe. You can use Italian style, turkey, or even homemade meatballs.
If using homemade meatballs, make sure the meatballs are cooked first before making this recipe in the Instant Pot.
RECOMMENDED: Instant Pot White Queso Dip
Other Cooking Methods to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
Other than this Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs method, there are other ways to make this classic recipe.
Stovetop Grape Jelly Meatballs - this recipe can easily be made on the stovetop by omitting the water. Add all the other ingredients together in a large pot and simmer over medium-low for about 30 minutes. This will allow the frozen meatballs to heat through. Stir occasionally to prevent the jelly mixture from crystallizing or burning to the bottom of the pan.
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs - This method takes longer than making Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs but it's a great set-it-and-forget-it method. Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to coat the meatballs in the mixture. Slow cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours. Before serving, give the meatballs a stir to combine the sauce and meatballs well.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Crockpot Rotel Dip
What Can You Serve with Grape Jelly Meatballs?
You can serve these Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs in a few delicious ways. You can serve them as an appetizer by sticking a cocktail pick or toothpick in them for easy serving to keep it simple, or you can serve them with other food.
Serve with rice - These grape jelly meatballs are delicious served over rice and it makes a quick meal, too!
Serve on a sub - Serve these meatballs in a sub and top it with melted mozzarella cheese.
Serve them with other party food - Dips, chips, pretzels, and these Zesty Potato Bombs are yummy ways to serve these meatballs!
RELATED
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounce frozen meatballs
- 18 ounces grape jelly
- 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs into the inner liner of the Instant Pot.
- Layer the meatballs with the grape jelly.
- Pour in the bottle of chili sauce on top of the jelly.
- Pour in the water but do not stir. *Important to prevent burn notice*
- Close the lid and pressure cook on HIGH PRESSURE/MANUAL for 5 minutes.
- Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before removing the lid.
- Stir the ingredients together and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
