Save Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly glazed meatball, and these Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs take a classic appetizer and elevate it with a sophisticated, fruity twist. By simmering tender ground beef meatballs in a vibrant blend of sweet peach preserves and savory chili sauce, you create a dish that is both comforting and impressive. Whether you are hosting a festive party or looking for a stress-free weeknight meal, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Save The slow cooking process is the secret to these meatballs, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly while the meat stays incredibly tender. The addition of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce provides a necessary acidic depth that balances the sweetness of the peaches, resulting in a complex flavor profile that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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: Prep 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: Make the Glaze
- In a separate bowl, mix together peach preserves, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Slow Cooker Assembly
- Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the peach glaze evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are coated.
- Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Stir gently before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the most tender results, avoid over-mixing the meat, as this can lead to tough meatballs. For the most consistent results, ensure your slow cooker is set to low; high heat can sometimes dry out the beef before the glaze has fully developed its flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can leave the lid ajar for the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. If you cannot find peach preserves, apricot preserves make a wonderful substitute.
Serviervorschläge
When serving as an appetizer, keep the meatballs in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting and provide toothpicks for easy snacking. For a complete family meal, serve the meatballs and plenty of glaze over a bed of steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
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These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs provide a delicious balance of 320 calories, 14g of fat, and 20g of protein per serving. Please be aware that the recipe contains eggs, wheat (from breadcrumbs), and potentially soy (depending on your Worcestershire sauce brand). Enjoy this simple, sweet, and savory delight at your next gathering!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly for this dish. Use about 2 pounds of frozen meatballs and add them directly to the slow cooker with the glaze. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through.
- → What can I substitute for peach preserves?
Apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or even pineapple preserves work well as substitutes. Each will provide a different but equally delicious sweet-tangy flavor profile.
- → Can I cook these on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours instead of 3 hours on low. Watch them carefully to ensure they don't overcook or dry out.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough or cause them to fall apart. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and handle gently when forming and stirring.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can form the raw meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them. You can also prepare the entire dish, refrigerate, and reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
For appetizers, serve with toothpicks alongside crackers or bread. As a main dish, they're excellent over white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.