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Slow Cooker Orange Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 35 servings (meatballs)

Description

These Slow Cooker Orange Meatballs are a flavorful and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that combines the savory taste of fully cooked meatballs with a sweet and tangy orange marmalade sauce. Perfect for parties or easy weeknight meals, they simmer in a zesty soy and garlic sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors while staying tender and juicy.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 32 ounces fully cooked meatballs (thawed from frozen, beef or turkey recommended)

Sauce

  • 1 ⅓ cups sweet orange marmalade
  • ¼ cup lite or reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon minced dried onions

Instructions

  1. Add the meatballs: Place the fully cooked meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out for uniform flavor absorption.
  2. Prepare and combine the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sweet orange marmalade, lite soy sauce, garlic powder, and minced dried onions thoroughly. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat them well.
  3. Slow cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Since the meatballs are already cooked, this step allows them to absorb the sauce flavors without overcooking. Begin checking on the meatballs earlier if your slow cooker runs hot to prevent drying out.
  4. Serve immediately: Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm for the best flavor and texture. They make a great appetizer or dish for gatherings.
  5. Keep warm if needed: If serving at a party where guests help themselves, use the 'keep warm' setting on your slow cooker to maintain temperature without further cooking.
  6. Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While freezing leftovers is possible, it is generally not recommended since the meatballs started frozen. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds or to your preferred temperature.

Notes

  • Use beef or turkey meatballs depending on your preference.
  • Make sure meatballs are fully thawed before adding to the slow cooker for even heating.
  • Adjust cooking time according to your slow cooker’s heat output.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • This recipe serves approximately 35 meatballs, which is ideal for parties or large gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/slow-cooker-orange-meatballs-recipe/