Save These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering. Tender, homemade beef meatballs are gently simmered in a rich, glossy sauce made from peach preserves and tangy chili sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy days, offering a gourmet taste with the ease of slow cooker preparation.
Save The beauty of this dish lies in the slow-cooking process, which allows the meatballs to soak up the vibrant flavors of the glaze. Whether you are hosting a game day party or looking for an easy dinner solution, these meatballs deliver consistent quality and fantastic flavor every time.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (40 g) finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- For the Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup (320 g) peach preserves
- ½ cup (120 ml) chili sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Step 2
- Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Step 3
- (Optional) Broil meatballs on high for 5 minutes to brown the tops and improve texture.
- Step 4
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peach preserves, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 5
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the peach glaze over them. Gently stir to coat.
- Step 6
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and glazed.
- Step 7
- Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To keep the meatballs tender, be careful not to overmix the ground beef mixture. Additionally, the optional broiling step is highly recommended as it helps the meatballs maintain their structure and adds a savory, browned exterior before they go into the slow cooker.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to add a splash of your favorite hot sauce into the glaze or increase the red pepper flakes.
Serviervorschläge
When serving as an appetizer, keep the meatballs in the slow cooker on the "Warm" setting and provide toothpicks for easy snacking. To turn this into a hearty meal, serve the meatballs over steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring you drizzle extra glaze over the top.
Save Simple, flavorful, and versatile, these Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet peach and savory beef in every bite!
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The cooking time remains the same, and the peach glaze complements poultry just as well as beef.
- → Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
Browning is optional but recommended. A quick 5-minute broil adds texture and depth of flavor, though the meatballs will cook through perfectly fine without this step.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder version. For extra heat, add hot sauce or increase the red pepper flakes to your preference.
- → What should I serve with these meatballs?
For appetizers, serve with toothpicks. As a main dish, they're excellent over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious glaze.
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them. You can also prepare the glaze separately and combine everything in the slow cooker when ready to cook.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.