If you've been searching for an all natural grape jelly that actually tastes like real Concord grapes—not candy—GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly is worth a spot in your pantry. This slow cooker meatball recipe is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to use it: a sticky, glossy glaze that comes together with almost zero effort and disappears fast at any fall gathering.
Why You'll Love It
- The deep, slightly tart flavor of Concord grapes makes a glaze that's genuinely interesting, not just sweet. GOOD GOOD's jelly is sweetened with stevia and erythritol instead of added sugar, so the grape flavor is the star rather than a sugar rush. It works for a weeknight dinner, a game-day spread, or a holiday appetizer table—set it and forget it.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked beef or turkey meatballs (about 40 meatballs)
- 1 cup GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly
- 1 cup chili sauce (store-bought)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs directly to your slow cooker—no thawing needed.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Step 3: Pour the grape jelly glaze over the meatballs and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is thick and glossy and the meatballs are heated through.
- Step 5: Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting for serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with toothpicks for a party-style appetizer, or spoon over rice for a full dinner.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier glaze, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce before cooking. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat easily on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also swap beef meatballs for chicken or plant-based meatballs—the grape jelly glaze works beautifully with all three.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a grape jelly 'all natural'?
An all natural grape jelly typically means no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and uses real fruit as its base. GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly is made with real Concord grapes and sweetened with stevia and erythritol instead of added sugar, keeping the ingredient list clean and straightforward.
Can you use grape jelly as a glaze for meatballs?
Yes—grape jelly is a classic base for slow cooker meatball glazes. Its natural pectin helps the sauce thicken and cling to the meatballs, while the fruit flavor balances the savory elements. GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly works especially well because its bold Concord grape flavor comes through clearly in the finished dish.
Does GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly have added sugar?
No. GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly contains no added sugar. It's sweetened with stevia and erythritol, so you get the full grape flavor without the added sugar.
Can I make grape jelly meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the full recipe a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on LOW or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What can I serve with grape jelly meatballs?
They work great as a party appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish served over white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad on the side rounds out a full weeknight dinner.
Pick up a jar of GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly and put this glaze to work at your next fall dinner or holiday party.
Shop this recipe: GOOD GOOD Concord Grape Jelly
