Description
This Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce made from grape jelly and Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce. Perfect as a quick appetizer or party snack, the meatballs cook under pressure to lock in flavors and then simmer to thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 3 lbs frozen meatballs
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 18 oz Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
- 18 oz grape jelly
Instructions
- Add Water: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot to provide the necessary liquid for pressure cooking, ensuring the meatballs cook evenly and prevent burning.
- Add Meatballs: Place the 3 pounds of frozen meatballs directly into the Instant Pot, distributing them evenly over the water.
- Pour Sauces: Pour 18 ounces each of Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs, combining sweet and smoky flavors.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensure the steam release handle is set to sealing, and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 6 minutes to cook the meatballs through.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully turn the steam release handle to venting to perform a quick pressure release, letting the steam escape safely.
- Stir Meatballs: Open the lid and stir the meatballs well to evenly coat them with the sauce that has formed.
- Simmer to Thicken: Set the Instant Pot function to Sauté on Normal heat and let the meatballs simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.
- Cool Before Serving: After the Instant Pot automatically switches off, allow the meatballs to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavor and handle safely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and enjoy them as a delicious appetizer or party favorite.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs means no thawing time, making this a quick and convenient recipe.
- Simmering after pressure cooking is key to achieving a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the simmering time if you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce consistency.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy party eating or alongside rice for a full meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.