Slow Cooker Apricot Chipotle Meatballs
If you need an easy appetizer that disappears fast at parties, these Slow Cooker Apricot Chipotle Meatballs are always a hit! Sweet apricot preserves, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor. Using frozen meatballs keeps prep quick and simple, making this recipe great for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or busy weekends. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Yes! Homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. Just fully cook them before adding to the slow cooker.
They have a mild smoky heat. For less spice, use only 1-2 chipotle peppers.
These are perfect as an appetizer with toothpicks, but they also taste great served over rice or mashed potatoes for dinner.
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Ingredient Notes
- Frozen Meatballs: The easy shortcut that makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- Ketchup: Adds tangy flavor and helps create the rich sauce.
- Apricot Preserves: Brings sweetness and fruity flavor to balance the smoky chipotle peppers.
- Honey: Adds extra sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Chipotle Peppers in Sauce: Gives the meatballs smoky heat and bold flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Adds warm garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Onion Powder: Gives the sauce extra savory flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds mild spice and smoky flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: Finishes the sauce with a little extra seasoning.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chipotle Meatballs
- Place frozen meatballs into the bottom of a 6qt or larger crockpot.
- Mix together remaining ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or 1-2 hours on high.
- If the sauce needs thickening, remove the slow cooker lid and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Stir the meatballs to evenly coat and serve. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Apricot Chipotle Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 32 oz package frozen meatballs beef or turkey
- 1 ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in sauce diced
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs into the bottom of a 6qt or larger crockpot.
- Mix together remaining ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or 1-2 hours on high.
- If the sauce needs thickening, remove the slow cooker lid and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Stir the meatballs to evenly coat and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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