These Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs use pre-cooked meatballs to make this super easy weeknight meal. The raspberry and balsamic team up to throw a pretty awesome party in your mouth. These would also make a great Christmas or New Year’s Eve appetizer. 

Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs from The Food Charlatan

My sister-in-law Sandi and I were talking today about how all the sudden Christmas is HERE and we have to-do lists a mile long. I was just about to clarify, when she said what I was about to say: “I haven’t even made my list yet. I just know that when I do it’s going to be overwhelming.”

Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs from The Food Charlatan

Exactly. I spent the entire day running away from my unwritten list. I haven’t been this productive in WEEKS. I did all the laundry, EVEN THE FOLDING. I cleaned out the “catch-all” basket sitting on our counter (which is really code for “where all loose change, hair ties, and broken crayons go to die.”)

Close up of meatball on rice with sesame seeds

Note to self, Karen, if you ever need house-work motivation, just pretend your next task is making a list that you know will include picking out a Christmas present for your dad. Yeah, Dad, the one who has 5 things on his list, the only remaining (unclaimed) item of which is LONG UNDERWEAR. Oh, you thought YOUR dad was tough to buy for? Count your blessings.

Stack of balsamic meatballs

Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs

I have no plans to make elaborate meals this week. With a little planning though we won’t starve. These meatballs are a really good option for busy shopping days. (Or, in my case, busy baking days. Let’s be real. Who has time for dinner when there are Christmas cookies on the line.)

They only take a few minutes to throw together, but they taste awesome. Raspberry and balsamic vinegar sure make each other sing. The ginger, green onions, and sesame add a fun Asian twist.

This is the recipe I use for the meatballs. I love them because you don’t have to chop anything; just throw it all together.

Easy Baked Meatballs:

More Crock-Pot gems:

Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs from The Food Charlatan
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Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs (Slow Cooker)

Servings: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins
Use pre-cooked meatballs to make this super easy weeknight meal. The raspberry and balsamic team up to throw a pretty awesome party in your mouth. These would also make a great Christmas or New Year's Eve appetizer. 

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Easy Baked Meatballs, or a 2 lb package frozen meatballs
  • 1 cup raspberry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 & 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, fresh, grated or minced
  • green onions, sliced, 4for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  • Spray your crock-pot with nonstick spray. Add the raspberry preserves, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes, and stir together, using a whisk if you want.
  • Once combined, remove a 1/2 cup of the mixture and set aside.
  • Add the meatballs (it's okay if they are frozen) and stir to coat.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or on high for 2 and 1/2 hours.
  • Remove the lid to add the ginger and reserved sauce. Turn the Crock pot to High if it is not already there. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Garnish with green onions and/or sesame seeds.

Notes

These make great appetizers, but they can also be eaten as a meal. Serve with hot rice and a big salad.
This recipe doesn't have to be made in the slow cooker. You can bake these with the sauce in a baking dish. I would start with 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Source: lightly adapted from Crock Pot Made Simple: Slow Cooker Recipes

Nutrition

Serving: 4 meatballs, Calories: 582 kcal, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 26 g, Fat: 32 g, Saturated Fat: 12 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14 g, Cholesterol: 109 mg, Sodium: 148 mg, Potassium: 527 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 33 g, Vitamin A: 39 IU, Vitamin C: 7 mg, Calcium: 40 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Balsamic, Crockpot, meatball, raspberry, slow cooker
Calories: 582kcal