Peach Bourbon Meatballs

The sweet aroma of slow-cooked meatballs fills the air, enticing every guest with its rich, smoky scent. Peach Bourbon Meatballs are a delightful combination of juicy ground beef or turkey, tender vegetables, and a luscious sauce that melds flavors beautifully. With a total cooking time of 6-8 hours when using a slow cooker, this recipe allows for a tender and succulent result that everyone will love.

This dish is perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them before cooking to save time on busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of peach and bourbon creates a unique and unforgettable flavor.
• These meatballs are tender and juicy with a delightful glaze.
• Perfect for entertaining, making them an easy appetizer option.
• Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to make these savory meatballs.

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Consider using ground chicken as a leaner option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be swapped for turkey or chicken.
• Use any fruit preserves for a different flavor.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• Red pepper flakes can be omitted for less heat.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your meatballs.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

Form meatballs

Gently roll the meat mixture into balls and set aside on a clean plate.

Prepare sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the peach preserves, bourbon, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Cook meatballs

Place the formed meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the peach bourbon sauce over them. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Serve warm

Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm as a delightful appetizer.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Use the microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; use a larger pot if needed.
• For extra flavor, marinate the meat mixture overnight.
• Adjust the bourbon quantity to suit your taste preference.
• Add more vegetables like garlic or jalapeño for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy alongside your favorite dipping sauce for extra zest.