Meatballs with Grape Jelly Chili Sauce

68 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 35 m Total: 55 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Meatballs with Grape Jelly Chili Sauce
These are great for weddings, parties, family gatherings and SUPERBOWL! They also make great meatball sandwiches. A wedding favorite food made with ground beef, grape jelly, and chili sauce that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

68 servings
  • Meatballs
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup crushed cornflake cereal
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • Sauce
  • 1 (6 oz) jar grape jelly
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients (ground beef, onion, cornflake cereal, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and eggs). Blend well. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan.
  3. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until browned and thoroughly cooked.
  4. While meatballs are baking, in large saucepan, combine sauce ingredients (grape jelly, lemon juice, and chili sauce). Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add cooked meatballs to sauce and stir to coat the meatballs. Serve when heated throughout.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can bake the meatballs up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them. Make the sauce and combine with meatballs just before serving, or keep them warm in a slow cooker on low for parties.

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

A: Absolutely. Use 68 frozen cooked meatballs (about 3-4 lbs). Skip the baking step and just heat them in the sauce for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Q: Why are my meatballs falling apart?

A: Make sure the eggs are well-mixed throughout the meat mixture and don't skip the cornflake cereal - it acts as a binder. Also, avoid overhandling the meat which can make them tough or crumbly.

Tips and Techniques

For easier serving at parties, keep the meatballs and sauce warm in a slow cooker on low heat. The cornflake cereal keeps the meatballs tender while helping them hold their shape during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • grape jelly: apple jelly or seedless blackberry jam
  • chili sauce: cocktail sauce or ketchup mixed with hot sauce
  • crushed cornflake cereal: breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
  • ground beef: ground turkey or a beef/pork blend

Equipment Needed

  • 15x10x1 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large saucepan
  • Slow cooker (optional, for serving)

Historical Context

The grape jelly and chili sauce meatball became a fixture at Southern gatherings in the 1960s and 70s, when convenience cooking met creative flavor combinations. Despite its unusual-sounding ingredients, the sweet-tangy sauce has made this a beloved party staple for generations.