Save Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory comfort and sweet fruitiness. These tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, tangy peach preserve and chili sauce, making them an ideal choice for a sophisticated party appetizer or a stress-free family dinner.
Save The magic of this dish happens as the slow cooker gently glazes each meatball, allowing the flavors of the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to penetrate the meat, resulting in a perfectly balanced bite 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
- 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
For the best results, do not overmix the meat when combining the ingredients, as this helps keep the meatballs tender. Using the optional broiling step for 5 minutes adds a nice crust and depth of flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you enjoy a bit more heat, simply add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
Serviervorschläge
For a hearty family meal, serve these glazed meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes. As an appetizer, they are best served warm with toothpicks for easy serving.
Save 
With 350 calories and 22g of protein per serving, these meatballs are as nutritious as they are delicious. Enjoy this sweet and savory American classic at your next gathering!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Simply place them directly in the slow cooker with the peach glaze and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until heated through and well-coated.
- → What can I substitute for peach preserves?
Apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or even pineapple preserves work well as alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the sweet and tangy balance.
- → 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 entire dish, refrigerate, and reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
- → How do I make these meatballs spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes in the glaze, add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture, or stir in hot sauce or sriracha to the peach glaze for extra heat.
- → 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, jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad complete the meal nicely.
- → Can I cook these on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours instead of LOW for 3 hours. Monitor closely to ensure the meatballs don't dry out and the glaze doesn't become too thick.