These instant pot grape jelly meatballs are the perfect appetizer! You'll love it for a game day snack, holiday parties, or even for dinner with a side of rice or vegetables. This delicious treat can be ready to serve in about 30 minutes.
Mix grape jelly, bbq sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and any other herbs and spices you might like together in a small bowl and set aside.
Add the oil to the bottom of the instant pot. Dump the frozen meatballs in after the oil then pour the sauce on top of the meatballs. Next, pour the water in, but DO NOT stir.
Close and lock the lid being sure it's in the sealing position. Set the pressure cooker to HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes.
When the cooking time expires, do a QUICK RELEASE. When the pin drops it's safe to open the lid.
Stir the meatballs and sauce mixture to coat evenly. Sauce will thicken as it cools, or thicken the sauce by simmering over low heat using the SAUTE function, or adding a cornstarch slurry (see notes).
Notes
Water is needed to build the pressure. If you like a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry using a 1:2 ratio. For example mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Add to the cooked meatballs and simmer until thickened.
Serve with plenty of toothpicks for the perfect bite appetizer meatballs.
Turkey meatballs can be used instead of ground beef. Just use your favorite kind of meatball for this recipe.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Make meatball sliders on Hawaiian rolls drizzled with extra sauce.