The Juiciest Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe Ever

Succulent meatballs dancing with smoky sweet traeger smoked grape jelly create a mouthwatering culinary experience that will make taste buds sing.

Tender beef blends perfectly with tangy grape jelly and a hint of smokiness.

Each bite promises a burst of flavor that elevates classic comfort food.

The magic happens when these juicy meatballs absorb the rich, smoky essence from the traeger grill.

Perfectly seasoned and generously glazed, these meatballs offer a delightful twist on a beloved party favorite.

Serve them as an appetizer or main dish that guarantees smiles around the table.

These irresistible meatballs are about to become your new go-to recipe for any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Lean cut ensures juicy, tender meatballs without excess grease.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and helps bind the meat mixture for perfect texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, airy texture and helps hold meatballs together.
• Eggs: Acts as natural glue to prevent meatballs from falling apart during smoking.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor throughout the meat mixture.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the meatball base.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out meat's natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the meat's richness.

• Grape Jelly: Delivers sweet, tangy base for the signature coating.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds smoky, complex layer to the jelly glaze.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami flavor and tenderizes the meat.

Tools To Cook Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Traeger grill: Essential for smoking and adding wood-fired flavor.
• Aluminum foil: Creates a protective barrier on the grill grates.
• Large mixing bowl: Combines meatball ingredients and mixes thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet: Holds meatballs during smoking process.
• Meat thermometer: Checks internal temperature for doneness.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix and handle meatballs.
• Tongs: Safely moves and arranges meatballs on the grill.

How To Make Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Fire Up the Traeger

Warm your Traeger grill to a steady 225F and choose a flavor-packed wood like hickory, cherry, or apple for that extra smoky magic.

• Prepare the Meatballs

Mix your ground meat with seasonings, forming uniform balls that will soak up all those delicious smoky notes.

• Arrange on the Grill

Carefully place the meatballs directly on the grill grates, ensuring they’re not touching each other for perfect smoke circulation.

• Smoke to Perfection

Let the meatballs smoke for about 60-75 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Glaze with Grape Jelly Sauce

Brush the meatballs with a tangy grape jelly mixture during the last 15 minutes of cooking, creating a sweet and sticky exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 160F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meatballs.

• Rest and Serve

Remove the meatballs from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, then plate and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious”!

Tasty Tweaks For Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

• Pellet Wood Magic: Choose hickory for a bold, smoky flavor, cherry for a subtle sweetness, or apple for a mild, fruity undertone that complements the grape jelly perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner version, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist that still captures the smoky essence.
• Sauce Swap Potential: Experiment with different jelly varieties like raspberry or apricot for unique flavor combinations that can transform the classic recipe into something totally unexpected.
• Serving Suggestions: Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker for parties, or serve over rice, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for easy munching during game day or gatherings.

Serve Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Anytime

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange these juicy meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or holiday gatherings, creating an irresistible appetizer spread.
• Game Day Slider Style: Transform these moist meatballs into mini sandwiches by tucking them into soft slider buns with a dollop of extra grape jelly sauce, perfect for casual entertaining.
• Comfort Bowl Meal: Serve the smoked meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, drizzling the remaining grape jelly glaze on top for a hearty and satisfying main course that warms the soul.
• Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Pack these flavorful meatballs in individual containers with roasted vegetables for a delicious, portable lunch option that keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Store Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs With Ease

• Smart Batch Preparation: Make double the recipe and freeze half for quick future meals, saving time and effort on busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them moist and flavorful by adding a splash of extra grape jelly sauce.
• Freezing Technique: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare meatballs in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a fresh drizzle of grape jelly sauce to restore moisture and enhance taste.

Smoky Sweet Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Traeger smoked grape jelly meatballs combine classic comfort with smoky barbecue charm. Guests will devour these tender, glazed bites packed with sweet and savory flavors that make backyard gatherings memorable.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 12 oz (340 g) grape jelly
• 12 oz (340 g) chili sauce (such as Heinz)
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F, selecting premium wood pellets like hickory, cherry, or apple for an enhanced smoky flavor profile.
2. Meatball Formation: Craft uniform meatballs with consistent size, ensuring even cooking and optimal smoke penetration.
3. Initial Smoking Phase: Carefully arrange meatballs on the grill grate, allowing ample space for smoke circulation, and close the lid to create a sealed smoking environment.
4. Flavor Development: Smoke meatballs for 60-75 minutes, carefully monitoring internal temperature to achieve perfect doneness without compromising moisture.
5. Glaze Creation: Simultaneously prepare a vibrant grape jelly glaze by combining grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and optional complementary spices for a rich, tangy coating.
6. Glazing Process: Once meatballs reach safe internal temperature, liberally brush with the prepared glaze, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior.
7. Final Smoking: Return glazed meatballs to the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and intensify the overall flavor complexity.
8. Serving: Remove from Traeger, let rest briefly to redistribute juices, then serve these succulent, smoky meatballs with their irresistible glazed finish.

Notes

• Choose Consistent Meatballs: Ensure uniform size and shape for even smoking and balanced cooking throughout the batch.
• Select Premium Wood Pellets: Opt for hickory, cherry, or apple to enhance the meatballs with complex, rich smoky undertones that complement the grape jelly glaze.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, preventing dryness while ensuring safe cooking temperatures for meat.
• Glaze with Precision: Apply grape jelly sauce generously but carefully, allowing a brief return to smoker for caramelization without burning the delicate exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg