Pin it Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with these Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs. Simmered to perfection in a luscious blend of peach preserves and tangy chili sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite that works beautifully as a festive appetizer or a comforting family dinner.
Pin it Whether you are prepping for a busy weeknight or hosting a game day gathering, these meatballs offer a hassle-free solution that never compromises on taste. The slow cooking process ensures the meat remains tender while absorbing the rich, glossy glaze.
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 (such as Heinz)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1
- 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
- Form mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Step 3
- In a separate bowl, mix together peach preserves, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 4
- Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the peach glaze evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are coated.
- Step 5
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Step 6
- Stir gently before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, be careful not to overmix the ground beef, which can lead to tough meatballs. Using a baking sheet to portion out the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker helps keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter alternative, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a spicier finish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze mixture.
Serviervorschläge
These meatballs are excellent served on their own with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. For a satisfying main course, serve them over a bed of fluffy steamed rice with a side of fresh green vegetables.
Pin it Simple to prepare and deeply satisfying, these Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the meatballs and glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, layer everything in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
- → Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen pre-cooked meatballs work perfectly. Just place them in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over, and cook on low for 2-3 hours until heated through and coated in sauce.
- → What can I serve with these meatballs?
These are versatile enough for parties with toothpicks as appetizers, or serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a main dish. They pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze cooked meatballs in the glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on warm setting.
- → Can I make this on the stovetop?
Certainly. Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then add the glaze ingredients. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally to coat evenly.