Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

These tender meatballs simmer slowly in a sweet and tangy glaze made from peach preserves and chili sauce. The slow cooker method ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs that absorb all that flavorful sauce. Just mix, form, layer, and let your appliance do the work.

The peach preserves create a natural sweetness balanced by the tangy chili sauce and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Serve them on toothpicks for gatherings or over steamed rice for a comforting weeknight meal.

Preparation takes just 15 minutes, then cook on low for 3 hours until tender. The glaze thickens beautifully as the meatballs simmer, coating each bite in sticky, sweet-spicy goodness.

Updated on Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:02:50 GMT
Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs simmering in a rich, tangy sauce in a black slow cooker, garnished with fresh thyme for a party appetizer. Pin it
Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs simmering in a rich, tangy sauce in a black slow cooker, garnished with fresh thyme for a party appetizer. | freshymeals.com

These Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring tender beef simmered in a rich, tangy sauce made from peach preserves and zesty chili sauce. Whether you are prepping for a game day gathering or looking for a comforting family dinner, this effortless American dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs simmering in a rich, tangy sauce in a black slow cooker, garnished with fresh thyme for a party appetizer. Pin it
Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs simmering in a rich, tangy sauce in a black slow cooker, garnished with fresh thyme for a party appetizer. | freshymeals.com

Using a slow cooker allows the meatballs to soak up the peach glaze, resulting in a tender texture and a glossy, flavorful finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It is a reliable, easy-to-make recipe that brings a touch of gourmet sweetness to your table.

Ingredients

  • Meatballs
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
  • ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Glaze
  • 1 cup (320 g) peach preserves
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) chili sauce (such as Heinz)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Instructions

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.
Step 2
Form mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, mix together peach preserves, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4
Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the peach glaze evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are coated.
Step 5
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Step 6
Stir gently before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, cook on the low setting for the full 3 hours to allow the meatballs to become perfectly tender. Always double-check labels on your chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce if you have concerns regarding allergens like soy or gluten.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. If you prefer a lighter option, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these meatballs hot with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer. For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice accompanied by steamed vegetables.

Glazed meatballs coated in a sticky sweet and tangy peach glaze, served steaming hot as a comforting main dish over fluffy white rice. Pin it
Glazed meatballs coated in a sticky sweet and tangy peach glaze, served steaming hot as a comforting main dish over fluffy white rice. | freshymeals.com

With its delightful balance of fruit and spice, these peach glazed meatballs are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the simplicity of this slow-cooked meal at your next gathering or family dinner.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. You can also cook them completely and reheat gently in the slow cooker on warm setting before serving.

What can I serve with peach glazed meatballs?

These work beautifully as party appetizers with toothpicks, or serve over steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen meatballs instead?

Absolutely. Use about 40-45 frozen homestyle meatballs, place in your slow cooker, and pour the prepared peach glaze over them. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until heated through and coated in sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or return to the slow cooker on warm setting. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes. Brown the meatballs in a skillet with oil, remove, then whisk together the glaze in the same pan. Return meatballs, cover, and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until cooked through, turning occasionally.

Is there a substitute for peach preserves?

Apricot preserves work beautifully as a substitute. You can also use orange marmalade for a citrus twist, or try a fruit-based chili sauce for a different flavor profile altogether.

Slow Cooker Peach Glazed Meatballs

Tender beef meatballs in sweet peach-chili glaze, perfect for parties or dinner.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
180 min
Overall time
195 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 6 Serving size

Dietary details None specified

What you need

Meatballs

01 1.5 lbs ground beef
02 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 0.25 cup milk
05 1 small onion, finely diced
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

01 1 cup peach preserves
02 0.75 cup chili sauce
03 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
04 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
05 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture.

Step 02

Form and arrange meatballs: Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

Step 03

Prepare glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together peach preserves, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 04

Layer and coat: Transfer meatballs to slow cooker. Pour peach glaze evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are thoroughly coated.

Step 05

Slow cook: Cover and cook on low setting for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 06

Finish and serve: Stir gently before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Tools you’ll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Slow cooker
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat gluten from breadcrumbs
  • May contain soy from Worcestershire sauce
  • Verify all condiment labels for undeclared allergens

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 320
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein amount: 20 g