Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Tender beef meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich, glossy sauce featuring sweet peach preserves and tangy chili sauce, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.

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This dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, these meatballs deliver gourmet flavor with the convenience of slow cooking.

Ingredients

• Meatballs: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef, ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup (60 ml) milk, 1 small onion (finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
• Glaze: 1 cup (320 g) peach preserves, ¾ cup (180 ml) chili sauce, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.

Step 2: Shape

Form mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Mix the Glaze

In a separate bowl, mix together peach preserves, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the peach glaze evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are coated.

Step 5: Cook Time

Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir gently with a spoon or spatula before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a large mixing bowl to prepare the meatball base and a separate bowl for whisking the glaze. Utilize a baking sheet to hold the meatballs before transferring them to the slow cooker to keep them organized. Remember to mix the beef gently to maintain a tender texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce. For a leaner alternative, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Serviervorschläge

These meatballs are excellent served with toothpicks for parties. For a complete family meal, serve them alongside steamed rice and vegetables to soak up the delicious peach glaze.

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This recipe makes 6 servings. Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, 14g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 20g protein. This dish contains eggs and wheat (from breadcrumbs), and may contain soy (from Worcestershire sauce).

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the glaze and cook on low for 2-3 hours until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for peach preserves?

Apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or pineapple preserves work well as alternatives. They'll provide a similar sweet and fruity flavor profile to complement the tangy chili sauce.

→ How do I prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Don't overmix the meat mixture and avoid cooking on high heat. The milk and egg help retain moisture, and the slow cooker's gentle heat keeps them tender throughout cooking.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them. The cooked meatballs also reheat beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ What sides pair well with these meatballs?

For appetizers, serve with crackers or bread. As a main dish, they're excellent over white rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables and a simple green salad.

→ Can I cook these in the oven instead?

Yes, bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then transfer to a baking dish with the glaze and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.