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Slow Cooker Orange Meatballs Recipe

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3.8 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 35 servings

Description

These Slow Cooker Orange Meatballs are an easy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or quick meals. Fully cooked meatballs are simmered in a sweet and savory orange marmalade sauce with soy sauce and seasonings, absorbing the tangy and aromatic flavors while staying tender and juicy. Using a slow cooker allows the meatballs to heat thoroughly and become infused with a delicious glaze, making this recipe a great hands-off, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Meatballs

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

Sauce and Seasonings

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

Instructions

  1. Add Meatballs: Place the fully cooked, thawed meatballs into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
  2. Mix Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the orange marmalade, lite soy sauce, garlic powder, and minced dried onions. Stir until thoroughly mixed, then pour over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all meatballs with the sauce.
  3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Since the meatballs are pre-cooked, the goal is to simmer them to absorb the flavors and heat through completely. Check early if your cooker runs hot to avoid overcooking.
  4. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs immediately while hot. If using at a party or buffet, switch the slow cooker to the ‘keep warm’ setting to maintain temperature as guests serve themselves.
  5. Store Leftovers: Store any extra meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While freezing is possible, it is not ideal due to the original frozen state of the meatballs. Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.

Notes

  • You can use beef or turkey meatballs depending on preference; both work well.
  • Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat output for best results.
  • If you don’t have orange marmalade, a combination of orange juice with honey and zest can be a substitute but will alter flavor.
  • Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice or noodles for a full meal.
  • Carefully monitor during the last hour to prevent the sauce from burning or thickening too much.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-6 hours
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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