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Elevate your meatball game with this mouthwatering crockpot recipe! Combining the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar, the mild sweetness of banana peppers, and a touch of honey, these slow-cooked meatballs are a flavorful twist on the classic.
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Ingredients
- 32-ounce bag frozen meatballs (use turkey or plant-based for variation)
- 1-ounce packet au jus gravy mix (low or no sodium if preferred)
- 1-ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (for a tangy twist, or use beef broth as an alternative)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
- 6 banana peppers, whole or sliced (for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to pepperoncini)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
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Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the au jus gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, water, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
- Coat the Meatballs: Pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir gently to coat them evenly.
- Top with Butter and Peppers: Distribute the sliced butter on top of the meatballs. Scatter the banana peppers over the butter. If using honey, drizzle it on top for an added layer of flavor.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking or burning.
- Serve with a Zesty Drizzle: Serve hot with the drippings as a gravy over the meatballs. These pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- If you’re looking for a smoky kick, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce mixture.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Hey Alice Williams, for the ingredients list, can we switch up some stuff? Like if I don’t got basil can I toss in some spinach?
SammyJ, spinach can work but it’ll change the flavor profile quite a bit, just so you know!
hey Alice Williams, cud u pls specify what kind of flour we using here? i got all kind at home but not sure which is best?
love the simplicity of these instructions gonna try it out thanks
just tried this recipe out, turned out pretty good even tho i messed up a bit lol. thx for sharing it!
Glad it worked out. Cooking is all about trial and error.
Instructions look good, but I’m confused, is there a step for pre-heating the oven or did I miss that?
I love cooking on my campfire. Will these ingredients be fine in the wild? Want to make sure they’re portable.
I have to disagree with the choice of olive oil in the recipe. Wouldn’t coconut oil provide a better aroma and health benefits? I’m open to other thoughts.
Coconut oil has a higher smoke point, good point Felicity. But doesn’t always mix well with other flavors, depends on the dish.
instructions unclear, ended up making a sandwich instead, not bad tho LOL
Guess I’ll add motor oil to the list of ingredients next, eh? Instructions weren’t clear enough.
I have my doubts about these measurements. Have you actually tested them, Alice Williams? They seem a bit off.