HOMEMADE MEATBALLS WITH JELLY & CHILI SAUCE
These Instant Pot meatballs with jelly and chili sauce are one of my favorite beef recipes. If you need a dish to bring to a party or potluck, these grape (or strawberry) jelly meatballs are a must—people will devour them. You can make your own chili sauce or use a store-bought version; both are delicious. While grape jelly is traditional, I often prefer strawberry, but use whichever you like.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes this recipe stand out. The Instant Pot cooks the homemade meatballs so they stay tender and juicy—far better than most frozen options. The sauce comes together in roughly 25 minutes, much faster than the slow-cooker method. It’s easy, kid-friendly, and adaptable: swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer.
If you’re using frozen meatballs to save time, that’s totally fine. If you have the time to make them from scratch, you’ll notice the difference in flavor.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT MEATBALLS
Instant Pot meatballs are quick and reliably tender. Mix the meatball ingredients gently in a bowl, form into balls, and cook in the pressure cooker. Total time (including pressurizing) is about 27 minutes.
1. PREP INGREDIENTS
2. MEATBALLS
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup beef broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so the meat stays tender.
4. INSTANT POT MEATBALLS
Using a tablespoon, scoop and roll the meat mixture into meatballs. Add the remaining beef broth to the Instant Pot, then place the meatballs inside (it’s fine to stack them). Lock the lid and ensure the valve is sealed. Set to high pressure for 7 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release. Remove the meatballs and drain the cooking liquid.
Return the drained Instant Pot to saute mode for the sauce stage.
3. JELLY MEATBALLS
Add the jelly, chili sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, pepper, and any remaining sauce ingredients to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine, then saute until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce to coat. Serve warm with the sauce spooned over, or refrigerate any extra sauce to use later.
The leftover sauce is also excellent brushed on fish, like salmon, for a sweet-and-spicy glaze.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH JELLY MEATBALLS
These cocktail meatballs pair nicely with many sides. Popular options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Basmati rice
- Fried rice
- Baked potatoes
- Potato salad
- Mac and cheese
HEALTHY VEGGIE SIDES
- Mashed cauliflower
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Sautéed cabbage
Homemade Meatballs with Jelly and Chili Sauce
Pin Recipe
Cook Time: 7 mins
Extra Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 3 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 cup grape or strawberry jelly
- 1/8 tsp chili powder
Meatballs
- 2 lb ground beef
- 6 tbsp bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients with 1/4 cup of the beef broth. Mix gently, then scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into meatballs.
- Add the remaining beef broth to the Instant Pot, place the meatballs inside (stacking is fine), lock the lid, and set to high pressure for 7 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release, then remove the meatballs and drain the liquid.
- Return the Instant Pot to saute. Add the jelly, chili sauce, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, and pepper. Saute until the sauce thickens to your liking. Add the meatballs back and toss to coat. Serve warm.
Notes
COOK TIPS
Meatballs: Lightly oil your palms with vegetable oil to make rolling easier and prevent sticking. This recipe yields about 50 meatballs; halve it if needed.
Leftover Sauce: Store leftover sauce in the fridge and use it on fish or as a glaze—it’s especially good on salmon.
Frozen Meatballs: This sauce works with frozen meatballs too; simply adjust cooking times as needed.
Let us know how it was!
If you like these jelly meatballs, save the recipe to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook.
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS
Instant Pot Duo60 6 Quart 7-in-1
Luminar Mixing Bowls
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT BEEF RECIPES
Best Meatloaf Recipe
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Best Beef Tacos
Flank Steak Stuffed w/Parmesan, Lemon Zest and Spinach