Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
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.
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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.”
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.”)
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.
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.
Raspberry Balsamic Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 batch Easy Baked Meatballs, or a 2 lb package frozen meatballs
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- sliced green onions, for 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.
by The Food Charlatan
Source: lightly adapted from Crock Pot Made Simple: Slow Cooker Recipes
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.
More Crock-Pot gems:
French Dip Sandwiches — one of my FAVORITE slow cooker meals. So easy:
French Bread Pizza. Okay, this ones not Crock Pot, but it’s worth remembering. Easy to throw together after too much time agonizing over sweater colors at the mall. Or long-underwear colors, in my case:
More Crock-pot ideas from around town:
Slow Cooker Pork Sirloin Tip with Balsamic Vinegar, Rosemary, and Red Onions from Kalyn’s Kitchen
Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs from Mom on Timeout
Crockpot Sesame Meatballs from Little Broken
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We are staying in a rental house for NYE with no slow cooker. Is there a way to make these in an oven?
Sorry I missed this Anita! Yes, just add to an oven safe casserole dish, cover and bake in the oven at about 250 or 300 degrees for a couple hours.
The Raspberry Balsamic meatball recipe stands out from all the simple meatball appetizer recipes, and the few extra steps are worth every bite. The first time was a large celebration and many went back for more multiple times, not quite sure why they were so much better. A granddaughter who had not been here for 3 years asked for the meatballs. We’ll be having them Christmas Eve.
So happy to hear it was a success Joanzie! You know it’s a success when even the kids like it :) Thanks so much for reviewing!
Hi, I might be reading too much into this, but if I use your meatball recioe, do I bake them and then use them or bake htem in the sauce? The recioe says to cook on low for 5 hours and that seems like a long time for already cooked meatballs…please let me know
Hi David! Definitely bake them first. Completely cooked meatballs is what you always want to put in the crock pot. They will be at a light simmer in the crock pot, perfect for absorbing flavor! 5 hours is just fine.
Yummy recipe for these times of stay at home sheltering but I recommend doubling the sauce and serve with lots of extra rice!
Great idea Lynn! Thanks so much for your review!
We sure love your delishiousness! We’re having the raspberry balsamic meatballs tonight for dinner. 😊
That’s awesome Debbie, enjoy! And thank you!
This was perfect for our office pot luck. Our grocery store had gluten free meatballs which, in my opinion, made it taste better. Easy go to recipe.
That’s awesome Tori! GF meatballs are a great idea if you’re serving a crowd. I’m so glad it was a hit! Thanks for the review!
I made these for a wine tasting and they were AWESOME! I was hoping there was nutrion facts for this though. It seems keto/low card friendly but wasn’t sure how it stacked up. Do you have that info to share?
Hey Karen! I’m glad you like the recipe! I don’t provide nutrition facts unfortunately, but you can plug the ingredients into an online calculator (that’s all I would be doing.) I’m thinking the raspberry jam will have carbs?
I’ve made this recipe several times, it has become my go to dish to take to parties. It is very easy to double and I never have left overs. I’m not a fan of onions, so I’ve never used the green onions has garnish and if I cannot find seedless raspberry jam I omit the sesame seeds. This is very good.
Great tips Jessica! I’m so glad the recipe is a hit for you! Thanks for the feedback! I love that.
I made them yesterday for Super bowl. They were a big hit at the party. Much better than the grape jelly recipe.
I agree Susan!! Thanks for the review!
I made these for new years eve and my husband and I absolutely LOVE the sauce. I will never make the chili sauce and grape jelly ones again. Thank you for sharing!!
Awesome Gina! I’m so glad you guys liked it. I agree, the grape jelly ones are okay but these ones are definitely a step up :) Happy New Year!
Gosh, christmas was so busy over in our house too so i understand the overwhelming feeling. No one will want to cook this week that is for sure so these meatballs look perfect
I love that sauce!!!
Yes yes YES. I haven’t even thought about Christmas yet, so please don’t remind me that it’s next week!! I mean, I’ve thought of gifts I could give my various family members… But that requires a trip to the store, then a lovely time with the wrapping paper (I actually enjoy wrapping gifts, surprisingly enough, so my mom always asks me to wrap any last-minute ones — true story!), and remembering to bring them home with me when I visit my parents. And don’t even get me started on staying on top of blog work or baking all of the Christmas cookies… I need a meal (or 20) like this! Pinned!
Bahaha – Dad wishlists are the most boring ever. Note: I’ve had unfolded laundry in the dryer since before we saw you last…what I’m trying to say is: I’m IMPRESSED.
I’m also starving and want someone to put a plate of these meatballs in front of me.
This flavor combination sounds awesome, Karyn! Pinned!
haha my dad always asks for sneakers … like what kind of sneakers??? I don’t look at your feet! Dads are hard to buy for.
These meatballs sound delicious! Raspberry and balsamic? Perfect!
Haha. Maybe it just means he trusts your sneaker judgment Ashley!! :)
I have been weirdly craving meatballs lately — like all the time! These are hitting my craving right on the head!
I feel like I’m always craving meatballs and I have to watch how many I post so that people don’t think I’m a freak. lol!!
Yum! Can’t go wrong with crockpot + meatballs ever! Thanks for the link up girl :)
Right Katya? they just belong together :)
I feel ya lady. Yesterday I made the awful mistake of stopping off at Michael’s Craft Store after work to get some cute wrapping paper and crafts. NO! It was so crowded and chaotic. Should have gone the easy route and headed to Walgreens. These meatballs sound mighty tasty! Love easy recipes like this : )
Yeah Michael’s is like a war zone this time of year. I feel lucky to get out with all my limbs.
Hah! I love that your dad has put long underwear on his Christmas list!
These meatballs look AMAZING! I can’t get over that gorgeous glaze!! I could just imagine the rice absorbing all of its yummy flavors!
Yeah, my Dad is always asking for things like socks, haha. He’s crazy.
These look super! And what’s even better is that these look nice and easy – I will so take easy and tasty any time I can get it!! :)
Looks great.
Oh Dads are so impossible to buy for. My poor Dad always gets the short end of the stick at Christmas. And to make it even worse, his birthday is Dec 29th! Luckily though he really likes food, so I can usually get away with cooking him a special meal. Love these meatballs. This sauce is to die for!