5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs are a simple yet flavorful appetizer that can also shine as a main dish. Combining sweet guava jelly with tangy barbecue sauce and savory miso, they offer a delightful twist on classic meatballs. Perfect for busy days, they cook slowly to develop rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 (20-ounce) bags fully-cooked frozen meatballs
- 1 (17-ounce) jar guava jelly
- 1 (18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs, guava jelly, barbecue sauce, miso paste, and dijon mustard into the slow cooker. Gently mix the ingredients together until combined; it’s okay if not everything blends fully as the flavors will meld during cooking.
- Step 2: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir the meatballs every couple of hours to ensure even coating. Keep them covered and on the warm setting until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Serve the saucy guava BBQ meatballs as an appetizer or alongside sides like rice and chopped mango for a tropical flair. Enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix before cooking.
- Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. These meatballs also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh meatballs will typically cook faster, so check for doneness after 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
Is white miso paste necessary in the recipe?
White miso adds a subtle umami and depth to balance the sweetness, but if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of soy sauce.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 8 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
This easy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs recipe combines the sweet tropical flavors of guava jelly with tangy barbecue sauce, enhanced by umami-rich miso paste and Dijon mustard. Perfectly tender and flavorful, these meatballs are cooked low and slow for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 (20-ounce) bags fully-cooked frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 1 (17-ounce) jar guava jelly
- 1 (18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the frozen meatballs, guava jelly, barbecue sauce, white miso paste, and Dijon mustard into the slow cooker vessel. Gently stir all the ingredients together until mostly combined, allowing the flavors to start melding, even if the mixture isn’t fully blended yet.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Stir the meatballs every couple of hours to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. After cooking, keep the meatballs covered and set the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the saucy guava BBQ meatballs warm as a delicious appetizer or as part of a meal. They pair beautifully with sides such as rice and chopped mango for a tropical flair. Enjoy the tender meatballs infused with sweet and savory flavors!
Notes
- Stirring every couple of hours helps prevent sticking and evenly distributes the sauce.
- Using fully-cooked frozen meatballs saves prep time and ensures even cooking.
- Pairing with tropical sides like mango and rice enhances the guava flavor profile.
- You can adjust the Dijon mustard quantity to suit your preferred level of tanginess.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: guava meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, barbecue meatballs, guava jelly, easy appetizer, sweet and savory meatballs, party meatballs
