Sweet-Tangy Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs Recipe

Succulent meatballs simmered in a tangy slow cooker raspberry balsamic glaze promise a flavor explosion that will leave taste buds dancing.

Each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

The rich raspberry and balsamic combination creates a luxurious coating that elevates these classic comfort bites.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings deserve this impressive dish that comes together with minimal effort.

These meatballs pack a punch of complexity without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Home cooks can easily achieve restaurant-quality results with this straightforward recipe.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible crowd-pleasing sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates lighter, more delicate meatball structure and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to hold meatballs together without crumbling.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness to prevent dense, tough meatballs.
• Garlic: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor and classic savory undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste enhancement.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweet-sharp flavor without chopping fresh onions.
• Oregano: Introduces mild herbal Mediterranean-style note.

• Raspberry Preserves: Provides sweet-tangy fruity base with vibrant crimson color.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Creates complex, rich acidic undertone with sophisticated depth.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes umami richness and balanced saltiness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, zesty warmth and smooth texture.
• Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness and glossy finish.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces savory background notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spicy kick.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Provides fresh, bright color and crisp herbal accent.

Tools To Make Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ground beef and seasonings.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs and developing rich flavor.
• Slow Cooker: Key appliance for tender, saucy meatballs.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Plate: Useful for forming and holding raw meatballs.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garnish like parsley or green onions.

Steps To Cook Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

• Craft Meaty Goodness

Mix ground beef with seasonings, forming small round bites packed with flavor. Create uniform meatballs that will make mouths water.

• Quick Sear for Depth

Brown meatballs in a hot skillet to lock in rich tastes and create beautiful caramelized edges. This step transforms ordinary meatballs into something spectacular.

• Create Tangy Glaze

Whisk together raspberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, and complementary seasonings into a vibrant, glossy sauce that will make these meatballs irresistible.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Nestle meatballs into slow cooker, drown them in the luscious raspberry balsamic sauce. Let them simmer and absorb all those incredible flavors for several hours.

• Serve and Savor

Plate these juicy meatballs over rice or pasta, letting the gorgeous sauce drizzle down. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra deliciousness.

Flavor Boosts For Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

• Meatball Magic Tricks: Ensure your meatballs stay tender by not overmixing the meat mixture and using a light touch when forming them.
• Texture Perfection: Browning meatballs before slow cooking creates a delicious golden crust and locks in extra flavor, though it's an optional step.
• Dietary Swap Options: For gluten-free versions, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein preferences.
• Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to manage spice levels. For a milder version, reduce or eliminate them completely. For heat lovers, add an extra pinch for a spicier kick.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly in the slow cooker or microwave for quick future meals.

Serve Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs At Parties

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks, creating an elegant appetizer display that guests can easily grab and enjoy during cocktail hour.
• Comforting Meal Magic: Serve these tangy meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, transforming them into a hearty dinner that warms the soul on chilly evenings.
• Brunch Brilliant Twist: Top crispy crostini or flatbread with these raspberry balsamic meatballs for a gourmet weekend brunch option that will impress friends and family with minimal effort.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with brown rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious lunch that remains flavorful and exciting throughout the week.

Store Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs Safely

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch of these meatballs and freeze half for future quick meals. They'll be a lifesaver on busy weeknights when cooking time is tight.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but can reduce tenderness.
• Versatile Meal Transformer: Repurpose leftover meatballs by chopping and mixing into pasta, stuffing into sandwiches, or topping a fresh salad for an instant meal upgrade.

Tangy Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker raspberry balsamic glazed meatballs deliver a tantalizing fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Hearty protein mingles with zesty raspberry and rich balsamic sauce, creating an irresistible dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (1 pound) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup raspberry preserves (or seedless raspberry jam)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps (2 tablespoons) milk
• 2 tbsps (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (1 tablespoon) honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp (½ teaspoon) salt
• ½ tsp (½ teaspoon) onion powder
• ½ tsp (½ teaspoon) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (½ teaspoon) garlic powder
• ¼ tsp (¼ teaspoon) black pepper
• ½ tsp (½ teaspoon) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Merge ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano in a large mixing bowl. Gently shape uniform meatballs, roughly one inch in diameter.
2. Searing: Heat skillet over medium flame, carefully brown meatballs on all sides until golden, developing rich exterior crust and intensifying flavor complexity, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Glaze Creation: Whisk raspberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until ingredients form a cohesive, glossy sauce.
4. Slow Cooking: Transfer seared meatballs into slow cooker, thoroughly coating each with raspberry balsamic glaze. Ensure even sauce distribution through gentle stirring.
5. Simmering: Cover slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2-3 hours. Confirm thorough cooking through internal temperature or visual doneness indicators.
6. Serving: Plate meatballs as sophisticated appetizer or main course, accompanied by steamed rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion for enhanced visual appeal and herbal notes.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content to prevent excessive greasiness and ensure tender, flavorful meatballs.
• Binding Technique: Mix breadcrumbs and egg thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture that prevents meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
• Browning Benefits: Sear meatballs before slow cooking to lock in flavors, create a delicious exterior crust, and enhance overall taste profile.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust raspberry balsamic glaze sweetness by carefully balancing vinegar, honey, and preserves to achieve perfect tangy-sweet harmony.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg