Description
These Peach Glaze Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or prepping for a weeknight dinner, the combo of peach preserves and BBQ sauce transforms ordinary meatballs into a flavorful crowd-pleaser. Choose your cooking method—slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop—for a simple and delicious dish that’s ready when you are.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peach preserves: The fruity base of the glaze—use high-quality or homemade for best flavor.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite (smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy) to match your taste.
- 2–3 lbs frozen meatballs: Beef, chicken, or turkey work well—just avoid pork-based ones. Homemade meatballs are a great option too (see Notes).
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Diced scallions or chives
- Chopped parsley
Substitutions: Use apricot preserves or mango chutney if peach preserves aren’t available. Swap BBQ sauce for honey BBQ for extra sweetness. For a homemade touch, make your own meatballs with ground meat and spices.
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, stir together the peach preserves and BBQ sauce.
- Add Meatballs: Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Stir to coat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring once midway.
- Serve: Stir well before serving. Garnish as desired.
Instant Pot
- Steam Meatballs: Place frozen meatballs and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 5–10 minutes, then quick-release.
- Drain: Carefully drain the water from the pot.
- Make the Glaze: Mix peach preserves and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Add to the meatballs.
- Coat and Heat: Set to Sauté and cook for 2–3 minutes, gently stirring until coated and heated through.
- Serve: Top with garnishes and serve warm.
Stovetop
- Heat Meatballs: Add meatballs and 1 cup water to a large pot. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Drain: Remove water carefully.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, combine peach preserves and BBQ sauce.
- Glaze Meatballs: Add the sauce to the pot, stir gently to coat, and heat through for a few more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Make Your Own Meatballs: Mix 1 lb ground beef or turkey with ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, and salt & pepper to taste. Bake or pan-fry until fully cooked before glazing.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or inside slider buns for party-style bites.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–240 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 meatballs with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: peach glaze meatballs, sweet BBQ meatballs, slow cooker party meatballs, instant pot meatball recipe, meatballs with fruit glaze, easy appetizer meatballs