Grape Jelly Meatballs (Instant Pot)

​​Grape Jelly Meatballs in the Instant Pot are savory and sweet meatballs, a classic party dish that will please any crowd. Made with prepackaged meatballs smothered in a rich and flavorful grape jelly sauce, they are quick and easy and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

The best part? They are incredibly easy to make thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot! In just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs that are bursting with flavor. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your guests with these irresistible Grape Jelly Meatballs in the Instant Pot.

Looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering? These Instant Pot grape jelly meatballs are the perfect solution! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of deliciously tangy and sweet meatballs that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, dinner will be on the table in no time. You might also enjoy our Instant Pot Queso, Pressure Cooker Frozen Chicken Wings, and Instant Pot Mini Meatloaf.

Ingredients

Grape Jelly: Grape jelly serves as the primary sweet component of the sauce, imparting a rich grape flavor and contributing to the dish’s sweetness. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the tanginess of the BBQ sauce and balances the overall taste profile of the dish.

BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce provides the savory and smoky flavor base for the meatball sauce. Its tanginess and depth enhance the overall taste of the dish, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or homemade variety to customize the flavor to your liking.

Horseradish: Horseradish adds a subtle kick and a hint of heat to the meatball sauce. It provides a slight tanginess and depth of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the grape jelly and the richness of the BBQ sauce. Adjust the amount of horseradish according to your preference for spiciness.

Water: Water serves as the liquid base for the sauce, helping to thin out the consistency and ensure even cooking of the meatballs. It also helps to balance the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring they meld together seamlessly during the cooking process.

Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a convenient option for this recipe, as they require no prep work and cook quickly in the Instant Pot. You can use store-bought frozen meatballs or homemade ones, depending on your preference. Opt for meatballs made from beef, pork, chicken, or a combination of meats, depending on your dietary preferences. The meatballs absorb the flavors of the sauce as they cook, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.

Instructions:

1. Blend the Sauce: Start by preparing the sauce. In the bottom of the Instant Pot insert, combine the grape jelly, BBQ sauce, horseradish, and water. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Add Meatballs: Once the sauce is blended, add the frozen meatballs to the Instant Pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
3. Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Optional: Thicken Sauce: If desired, you can thicken the sauce further. To do this, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir the slurry into the meatball sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve: Once the sauce is thickened (if preferred), serve the grape jelly meatballs hot, either as an appetizer or over cooked rice or noodles for a main course.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies heavily on the sauce for flavor, using high-quality grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and horseradish will make a big difference in the final dish.
• Customize the heat level: Adjust the amount of horseradish to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less, and for a spicier kick, add more.
• Double the recipe for larger crowds: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger group. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and follow the same cooking instructions.

FAQs:

Storage Instructions:

• Leftover grape jelly meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through or warm them in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat.

With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, these Instant Pot grape jelly meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear in no time!