Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are absolutely irresistible – homemade tender meatballs slow cooked in an incredibly simple two-ingredient sauce that creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for the ultimate party appetizer or family dinner!

When you need a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both incredibly easy and absolutely delicious, these slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs deliver every single time. With just grape jelly and chili sauce creating the most amazing sweet and tangy glaze, these tender homemade meatballs become pure comfort food perfection that disappears faster than you can make it.

Perfect for game day parties, potluck dinners, holiday gatherings, or busy weeknight meals, these make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly meatballs will become your go-to recipe for feeding a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

These tender, flavorful, and absolutely addictive meatballs combine the easiest sauce ever with homemade comfort that’s guaranteed to impress!

Two-ingredient sauce magic – just grape jelly and chili sauce create the most incredible sweet and tangy glaze that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Always the first to disappear – these meatballs are legendary at parties and gatherings because they’re absolutely irresistible and everyone asks for the recipe.
Incredibly easy slow cooker method – after a quick broil, everything goes in the crockpot for hands-off cooking that fits any busy schedule.
Perfect for any occasion – amazing as party appetizers, served over rice for dinner, or packed for potluck events where you want to shine.
Make-ahead and freezer friendly – can be prepped days in advance or frozen for quick future meals, making them perfect for meal planning.
Kid and adult approved – the sweet and mild flavors make them a hit with picky eaters while adults love the sophisticated sweet-tangy balance.
Budget-friendly crowd pleaser – feeds 8 people generously using simple, affordable ingredients that create gourmet-tasting results.
Versatile serving options – perfect as appetizers with toothpicks or as a main course over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

What You Need

With homemade meatballs and the world’s easiest two-ingredient sauce, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create absolutely incredible flavors.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Ground beef – I recommend 90% lean for the perfect balance of flavor without being overly greasy. Creates tender, juicy meatballs.

Eggs – acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together and creates the perfect tender texture that won’t fall apart.

Breadcrumbs – helps bind the meat mixture and keeps the meatballs incredibly tender and moist throughout cooking.

Onion – finely diced onion adds amazing flavor and moisture. Make sure to mince it well so there aren’t large chunks.

Seasonings – salt, black pepper, and garlic powder create the perfect savory base that complements the sweet sauce.

Chili sauce – this is the key ingredient! Use Heinz brand chili sauce (similar to ketchup but with a mild spicy kick).

Grape jelly – creates the sweet component of the sauce. The combination with chili sauce is absolutely magical.

Fresh parsley – for a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich meatballs.

Cooking spray – for easy cleanup and preventing sticking during the broiling process.

Equipment Required

This amazing recipe comes together with basic kitchen equipment you already have!

A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
A sheet pan lined with foil for broiling
A large skillet or microwave for melting jelly
A slow cooker (4-quart works perfectly)
A whisk for combining the sauce

Step By Step Instructions

Get ready for the easiest and most delicious meatballs that create the perfect sweet and tangy comfort food experience!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Step 1 – Prep For Broiling

Preheat your broiler and line a sheet pan with foil, then coat with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

Step 2 – Mix The Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 3 – Shape The Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 32 total) and place them on the prepared sheet pan with space between each one for even cooking.

Step 4 – Broil Until Golden

Broil for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked since they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Step 5 – Make The Magic Sauce

While meatballs cook, melt the grape jelly in the microwave (30-second increments) or in a saucepan over medium heat until completely smooth.

Step 6 – Combine Sauce Ingredients

Whisk the chili sauce into the melted grape jelly until completely combined. The sauce will look amazing and smell incredible!

Step 7 – Slow Cook To Perfection

Coat your slow cooker with cooking spray, add the browned meatballs, and pour the sauce over top. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 8 – Cook And Serve

Cook on low for 3 hours until meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Master these party-perfect meatballs with helpful tips for the best results every time!

Don’t skip the broiling step – this creates a beautiful golden crust and prevents the meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker.
Mince onions finely – large chunks can make meatballs fall apart. Grating the onion works great too for even distribution.
Use 90% lean beef – this provides the perfect balance of flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Don’t overmix the meat – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep meatballs tender, not tough and dense.
Make uniform sizes – 1-inch meatballs cook evenly and are perfect for both appetizers and main course serving.
Melt jelly completely – make sure there are no lumps before adding chili sauce for the smoothest, most beautiful glaze.
Use Heinz chili sauce – this specific brand gives the best flavor balance. Don’t substitute with hot sauce or ketchup.
Make ahead tip – meatballs can be broiled up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to slow cook.
Double batch strategy – make extra meatballs and freeze some for quick future meals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pre-cooked meatballs instead?
You can, but homemade meatballs taste so much better! If you’re in a hurry, use frozen meatballs but thaw them first and reduce cooking time to 1-2 hours.

What exactly is chili sauce and where do I find it?
Chili sauce is a thick red condiment similar to ketchup but with a mild spicy kick. Find Heinz brand in the condiment aisle near the ketchup.

Can I substitute the grape jelly with something else?
Yes! Apricot jam or cranberry sauce work beautifully. You can also add a little brown sugar for extra sweetness.

How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 32 one-inch meatballs, which serves 8 people as appetizers (4 meatballs each) or 6 as a main course.

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze the broiled meatballs before adding sauce, or freeze the complete dish. The sauce may thin slightly when thawed – just simmer to thicken.

What size slow cooker do I need?
A 4-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. Larger sizes work too but may require slightly longer cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile meatballs work beautifully for both appetizers and main course meals:

As appetizers – serve with toothpicks alongside other party foods like cheese platters and vegetable trays.

Over rice – serve as a main course over fluffy white rice, rice pilaf, or even cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

With mashed potatoes – the sweet and tangy sauce is incredible over creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Over noodles – egg noodles or even spaghetti make this feel like a fun fusion dinner.

With vegetables – add steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.

Variations To Try

Different meats – try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version with the same amazing flavors.

Spice level – if you’re sensitive to spice, substitute ketchup for chili sauce. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Sauce variations – try apricot jam instead of grape jelly, or add a tablespoon of brown sugar for extra sweetness.

Asian twist – substitute with my homemade sweet and sour sauce recipe for a more traditional Asian flavor profile.

Garnish options – try sliced green onions or chives instead of parsley for different fresh flavors.

Storage And Make-Ahead Tips

Make ahead – broil meatballs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Add sauce and slow cook when ready to serve.
Freezing – freeze broiled meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and proceed with sauce and slow cooking.
Leftovers – store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop until heated through.
Doubling recipe – easily double for larger crowds. Use a 6-quart slow cooker and may need an extra hour of cooking time.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker)

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are absolutely irresistible – homemade tender meatballs slow cooked in an incredibly simple two-ingredient sauce that creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for the ultimate party appetizer or family dinner!

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 366kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (90% lean recommended)
2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup onion (finely diced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounce bottle chili sauce (Heinz brand recommended)
1½ cups grape jelly
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
cooking spray

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark

Prep for broiling – preheat broiler and line a sheet pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix meatball ingredients – in a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix.
Shape meatballs – form mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 32 total) and place on prepared sheet pan with space between each one.
Broil until golden – broil for 8-10 minutes until meatballs are golden brown on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked.
Make the sauce – while meatballs cook, melt grape jelly in microwave (30-second increments) or in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
Combine sauce – whisk chili sauce into melted grape jelly until completely combined and smooth.
Slow cook – coat slow cooker with cooking spray. Add browned meatballs and pour sauce over top. Toss to coat evenly.
Cook and serve – cook on low for 3 hours until meatballs are tender and sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

Broiling is essential – don’t skip this step! It creates a golden crust and prevents meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker.
Onion prep – mince onions very finely or grate them to prevent large chunks that can break apart the meatballs.
Ground beef choice – 90% lean provides the perfect balance of flavor without making the sauce too greasy.
Don’t overmix – combine ingredients just until mixed to keep meatballs tender, not tough.
Sauce ingredients – use Heinz chili sauce for best results. Make sure grape jelly is completely melted before combining.
Make ahead – meatballs can be broiled up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to slow cook.
Slow cooker size – a 4-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
Freezing – freeze broiled meatballs for up to 3 months. Complete dish freezes well too but sauce may thin slightly.
Serving size – makes about 32 meatballs, serving 8 as appetizers or 6 as a main course.

Nutrition

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

What You Need

Equipment Required