Crock-Pot Meatballs
Sweet and tangy crock-pot meatballs with a flavorful sauce featuring onion, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining onion, butter, vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, catsup, parsley, water, horseradish mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and chili powder in the crock-pot.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook while preparing the meatballs.
- Turn the crock-pot to high heat.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the prepared meatballs to the crock-pot.
- Leave the meatballs and sauce simmering until the meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you're out of horseradish mustard, regular mustard or Dijon can work as substitutes. To enhance the sauce's sweetness, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Fresh herbs like basil can replace parsley for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or main dish, and consider pairing them with Garlic Scalloped Potatoes for a hearty meal. They also go well with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Meatballs contains roughly 181 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used for convenience. Just add them directly to the simmering sauce without thawing. Cook them longer to ensure they heat through completely, about 4-6 hours on low heat.
What type of meat can I use for the meatballs?
You can use ground beef, turkey, or even chicken for your meatballs. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based meat substitutes or making meatballs with lentils or chickpeas.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also include finely chopped jalapeños for a fresh, spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).