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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slow Cooking: Transfer seared meatballs into slow cooker, thoroughly coating each with raspberry balsamic glaze. Ensure even sauce distribution through gentle stirring.
- 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.
- 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