Easy Appetizers

Break that crockpot out of the cupboard more often. Do not use it just to make stews and soups; you can use crockpots to make dips, sauces and all sorts of appetizers. One of the best things about making meatballs in the crockpot is they stay moist and tender. You can even serve them directly from the crockpot; just place some toothpicks or small skewers nearby that your guests can use to spear them and put them on their plates.

Crockpot meatballs can be made with all sorts of sauces. Use a barbecue sauce, or our zesty beer and tomato sauce published here in this recipe. You can also make Swedish meatballs this way. Instead of them becoming dried out from the oven, they get to cook slowly, covered in sauce. The meatballs soak up the flavors of the sauce and retain their natural moisture. When you take a bite you will be transported to culinary bliss. All the flavors of the sauce come together in your mouth with the ground beef, creating a wonderful taste sensation. You could even make this for dinner one night and serve it alongside potatoes, rice or even over pasta. What an easy, delicious meal!

If you like meatballs, invest in a couple different crockpots and you can make several different recipes when your friends come over to watch the big game or you want to ring in the New Year. Leftover sauce can be used as a dip for bread slices or poured over rice or potatoes. Use your imagination. Crockpot appetizer recipes are easy and make preparing for your party less stressful.

Recipe for Zesty Beer Meatballs

These delicious meatballs are full of flavor and spice.

What You Need

3 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup onions, chopped and divided
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs, finely ground
3 eggs
1 can (12 ounces) of your favorite beer
1 (6 ounces) can V-8 juice (regular or spicy)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large bottle (14 to 16 ounces) of ketchup
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make It

Mix the ground beef, half of the onions, the bread crumbs, and eggs in a bowl. Do not be afraid to use your hands. Form the mixture into small meatballs.

Brown the meatballs in a large skillet, turning frequently to brown all surfaces. Alternatively, you could also bake them in the oven for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. until they are browned. Drain the meatballs and discard the fat.

Take a saucepan and combine the beer, V-8 juice, lemon juice, hot sauce, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sauce over them. Cover and let them cook on Low for 3 to 6 hours. Occasionally, gently stir the meatballs.

If you want more sauce, add more ketchup and V-8. Season accordingly.

Makes 6 dozen meatballs.

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