Description

These Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Combining the rich flavors of orange marmalade, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, these meatballs are both sweet and savory with a delightful hint of tanginess from apple cider vinegar. The addition of garlic, ginger, and a touch of red pepper flakes adds depth and a bit of heat, making these meatballs irresistibly flavorful. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit

Ingredients

• 1 package (about 28 ounces) frozen meatballs
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Preparation Method

Prepare the Meatballs: Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them first; they will cook perfectly as they warm up in the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended sauce.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated in the sauce.

Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. During cooking, the meatballs will heat through, and the sauce will become thick and bubbly, perfectly coating each meatball. Stir the meatballs occasionally to keep the sauce evenly distributed.

Final Touches: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thick and glossy, give them a gentle stir to ensure every meatball is well coated with the sauce. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, either as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice or noodles as a main dish. These sweet and tangy meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Tips and Conclusion

Tip
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of orange juice or a bit of zest from an orange to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.

Conclusion
These Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Meatballs are an effortless way to bring big, bold flavors to your table. The combination of sweet orange marmalade, savory soy sauce, and tangy vinegar creates a perfect balance that makes these meatballs incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, a potluck, or a family dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the satisfying taste of this versatile dish!