Why Make This Recipe

Sweet Spicy Grape Beef Meatballs are a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. They are easy to make using frozen meatballs and a delicious glaze that combines sweet grape jelly with tangy barbecue sauce and a little kick from chili garlic sauce. This dish is sure to please everyone!

How to Make Sweet Spicy Grape Beef Meatballs

Ingredients

32 oz frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
1 cup Smuckers grape jelly
1½ cups Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of grape jelly and 1½ cups of barbecue sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Add the Spicy Kick: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Heat and Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sauce is heated through and glossy. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Introduce the Meatballs: Add 32 oz of frozen fully cooked beef meatballs to the simmering sauce. Gently stir to ensure each meatball is evenly coated.
Cook Until Heated Through: Cover the saucepan loosely and continue to cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened to a glaze-like consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm.

How to Serve Sweet Spicy Grape Beef Meatballs

These meatballs can be served as a main dish or appetizer. You can offer toothpicks for easy snacking or serve them over rice or pasta for a heartier meal. They pair well with a side salad for a balanced dinner.

How to Store Sweet Spicy Grape Beef Meatballs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Sweet Spicy Grape Beef Meatballs

For extra flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or onion to the sauce.
If you like it spicier, increase the chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes.
Use fresh or dried herbs mixed into the sauce for an extra aroma.

Variation

For a different twist, try using turkey meatballs or a different flavor of jelly, like raspberry or chili jelly, to change up the sweetness and spice levels.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs will work great! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.

Q2: How spicy are these meatballs?
The spiciness depends on how much chili garlic sauce you choose to add. You can control the heat by using less or more according to your taste.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.