Slow Cooker Festive Meat Balls
A savory slow cooker dish featuring tender meatballs in a creamy, tangy sauce with green peppers, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, deviled ham, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, grated onion, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix well and form into 2-inch or smaller meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
- Turn the slow cooker to high heat.
- Dissolve flour in 1/4 cup water and stir into the slow cooker.
- Add catsup and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Turn off heat and stir in sour cream and chopped green pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef for a lighter option. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk or a non-dairy alternative can work in a pinch. Adding some chopped herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor. To save time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these festive meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete spread, consider serving with crusty bread or alongside dishes like Chili With Cornbread Casserole for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or simmer gently on the stove with a bit of sauce until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Festive Meat Balls contains roughly 393 calories, with 16g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, shape and freeze the meatballs, then cook them directly from frozen in the slow cooker, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of deviled ham?
If you don't have deviled ham, you can substitute with another canned meat spread or even finely chopped cooked ham. Alternatively, mixing in some seasoned ground sausage can add a similar flavor profile.
How can I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve more people, you can easily double the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking time. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or consider cooking in batches.
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).