Description
Juicy slow cooker raspberry balsamic glazed meatballs blend sweet and tangy flavors into a crowd-pleasing dish. Polish comfort meets modern culinary creativity, promising a memorable meal perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup raspberry preserves (or seedless raspberry jam)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Craft a robust mixture by combining ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano in a spacious mixing vessel. Delicately form uniform spherical meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, arranging them carefully on a clean plate.
- Activate a skillet over moderate heat, gently caramelizing the meatballs until their exterior develops a golden-brown crust. This crucial step enhances structural integrity and intensifies flavor profiles, requiring roughly 3-4 minutes of attentive rotation.
- Construct a vibrant glaze by whisking raspberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a medium mixing bowl. Ensure thorough incorporation of ingredients to create a harmonious sauce.
- Transfer meatballs into the slow cooker, meticulously coating each sphere with the raspberry balsamic concoction. Employ gentle stirring to guarantee even distribution of the glossy sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and allow meatballs to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, or accelerate the process on high setting for 2-3 hours. Verify complete cooking through internal temperature or visual cues.
- Present the meatballs as an elegant appetizer or transform into a substantial meal by serving atop steamed rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Elevate the visual appeal by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or delicate green onion rings.
Notes
- Customize meatball texture by using a mix of ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for richer flavor and softer consistency.
- Prevent dry meatballs by avoiding overmixing and using a light touch when forming them, which keeps the protein tender and juicy.
- Enhance sauce depth by caramelizing onions or adding a splash of red wine before combining with raspberry preserves for more complex undertones.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 561 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg