Trader Joe’s Meatball Recipe

This sticky, sweet Trader Joes Meatball Recipe is made with frozen mini meatballs, sweet chili sauce, and grape jelly, and ready in 2 hours. The sauce thickens and glazes each meatball as they bubble away in the slow cooker. I always keep these three ingredients stocked for last-minute gatherings.

Why This Classic Works

I used to make party meatballs entirely from scratch until I realized how much time it took. Using frozen meatballs means zero prep time, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

The real surprise is the combination of grape jelly and sweet chili sauce. It creates a sticky, tangy glaze that tastes far more complex than a two-ingredient sauce should.

Trader Joes Meatball Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (32-ounce) bag Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs
• 1 (10.1-ounce) bottle Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 cup grape jelly

How To Make Trader Joes Meatball Recipe

1. Combine the Sauce: Whisk the sweet chili sauce and grape jelly together in the base of a slow cooker until mostly smooth.
2. Add the Meatballs: Pour the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and toss them until fully coated in the sauce mixture.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
4. Keep Warm: Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting before serving directly from the pot.

Recipe Tips

• Whisk the sauce first: Combining the jelly and chili sauce before adding the meatballs ensures an even coating.
• Do not thaw the meatballs: Adding them frozen prevents them from falling apart during the slow cooking process.
• Stir halfway through: Giving the meatballs a quick stir after an hour helps the sauce reduce evenly.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Meatballs

Serve these sticky meatballs with a side of steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli to make it a full dinner. If you are serving them as an appetizer, simply provide a cup of toothpicks and plenty of napkins.

How To Store

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze them with the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of meatballs?

Yes, any brand of frozen homestyle or beef meatballs will work if you do not have a Trader Joe’s nearby.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in a large pot, cover, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes until hot.

Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?

Trader Joe’s sweet chili sauce has a very mild heat that is perfectly balanced by the sweet grape jelly.

Can I use BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce?

Yes, swapping the sweet chili sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce creates a classic smoky flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
• Protein: 12 g

Trader Joes Meatball Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Sticky, sweet, and tangy, this Trader Joes Meatball Recipe uses frozen mini meatballs, sweet chili sauce, and grape jelly for an effortless appetizer. With a total time of 2 hours, it is a completely hands-off dish suited for busy weekend parties.

Ingredients

• 1 (32-ounce) bag Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs

• 1 (10.1-ounce) bottle Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1 cup grape jelly

Directions

• 1. Combine the Sauce: Whisk the sweet chili sauce and grape jelly together in the base of a slow cooker until mostly smooth.
• 2. Add the Meatballs: Pour the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and toss them until fully coated in the sauce mixture.
• 3. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
• 4. Keep Warm: Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting before serving directly from the pot.