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Savory Bourbon Slow Cooker Meatballs

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Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sticky bourbon glaze, perfect for an easy and comforting dinner made in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 20-24 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour half of the bourbon glaze into the slow cooker. Add the meatballs in a single layer if possible, then pour the remaining glaze over the top. Coat the meatballs evenly with a spoon.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are tender and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). The glaze will thicken and become sticky.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, gently stir the meatballs to coat again. For extra sticky glaze, remove lid and cook on high for the last 15 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Milk keeps meatballs moist. Browning meatballs before slow cooking is optional but adds texture. For thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry in last 30 minutes. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter option. Use almond or oat milk for dairy-free. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko and tamari sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy dinner, sticky glaze meatballs, comfort food, game day recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/savory-bourbon-slow-cooker-meatballs-recipe-easy-sticky-glaze-meatballs-for-dinner/