Easy Party Meatballs

📜 Collection: Jill Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Appetizers Classic party meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce of chili sauce, grape jelly, and lemon juice. A perfect, crowd-pleasing slow-cooker appetizer.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins4 hoursNone20 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Slow cooker or large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • Juicer

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 poundsGround Beefhamburger
1 largeEggslightly beaten
1 largeOniongrated

For the Sauce

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 (12-ounce) jarChili SauceNone
1 (10-ounce) jarGrape JellyNone
1Lemonjuiced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a slow cooker or large pot, combine the 1 (12-ounce) jar chili sauce, 1 (10-ounce) jar grape jelly, and 1 juiced lemon. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the jelly melts and the sauce is completely smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, gently mix the 2 pounds ground beef, 1 large slightly beaten egg, and 1 large grated onion with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure the meatballs remain tender.

Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch party-sized meatballs.

Step 3: Cook

Carefully place the raw meatballs into the simmering sauce.

Cover and cook on low until the meatballs are cooked through and have absorbed the sweet and tangy flavors, about 4-6 hours in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours on the stovetop.


💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: These meatballs can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker for hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


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