Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs with Sriracha Lime Sauce

Disclaimer: I was provided compensation for the development of this recipe and my time at #FreshSummit, however this blog post, my opinions and enthusiasm are provided complementary! 

Jennifer Fisher of TheFitFork.com at Litehouse Foods booth PMA Fresh Summit 2016

 I was in Orlando earlier in the month for Fresh Summit 2016, a massive trade show that brings together produce industry peeps from around the world to showcase innovation, provide inspiration and track trends. With more than 1,100 exhibitors on the expo floor, there were fruits, veggies, nuts, and fresh packaged foods at every turn. But, were there meatballs? Why, yes, there were!

litehouse-pma-booth-menu-2016That’s right; I was cooking up a storm again for Litehouse Foods in their beautiful, backyard inspired booth. With football playing on the big screen, a spread of apple cider and snacks, and good eats coming from the kitchen (including my Sriracha Lime Meatballs), this was the ultimate homey hangout.

 

Sriracha Lime Dressing over meatballsHopefully in your house, the crowd gathering for these (Slow Cooker) Beef Meatballs with Sriracha Lime Sauce will not be smaller than at the packed expo. Although, there WILL be a  crowd (just sayin’) becase this super simple, slow cooker recipe is a real weekend AND weeknight winner.  Just toss in a short list of ingredients into a Crock Pot, pour over a bottle of their new Srirarcha Lime Dressing and walk away. In a couple hours, you’ve got the ultimate football party appetizer to skewer up on toothpicks or a fusion-inspired, “take-out” take off dinner that you can serve with the slow cooker sauce over rice. My kids loved it!

Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs with Sriracha Lime Sauce is a super simple, easy party appetizer or easy weeknight main dish.

The Sriracha Lime Dressing is a new “sweet heat” product from Litehouse Foods that you can find in the fridge shelves of your produce department – they also make a Mango Habanero version. What I love about these two dressings is that they are super flavorful without being off the charts hot, only have 20 calories per serving, and are made with fresh ingredients that you’ve heard of – no weird chemicals or preservatives. You can also try this dressing as a glaze on chicken, dip for your spring rolls, or drizzle for your salads and wraps.

*I’ve also provided alternate instructions for the sauce in case you can’t find this dressing.

far-east-sriracha-lime-meatballs

 

far-east-sriracha-lime-meatball-appetizerServe meatballs over rice for supper or on a little bed of rainbow slaw for a healthy, balanced appetizer!

 

 

 

 

 

What are you cooking in your slow cooker these days? Can you take the heat or do you like things milder? Big plans, races, events for fall — I’m doing a Spartan Beast this weekend!  Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

(Slow Cooker) Beef Meatballs with Sriracha Lime Sauce
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Total Time
13 mins
 
Get the party (or dinner) started in spicy-sweet style with this crazy easy recipe that uses frozen meatballs and salad dressing. Lots of protein, low carb.
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Southern
Servings: 6 servings dinner
Ingredients
  • 1 26- oz package frozen “homestyle” mini meatballs (1/2-ounce each)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1 large seeded, finely diced jalapeno pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1 12-oz bottle Litehouse Foods Sriracha Lime Dressing* *dressing swap instructions in last recipe step
Instructions
  1. Place frozen meatballs in 4-qt slow cooker. Add bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, red onion, soy sauce and Sriracha Lime Dressing and mix to coat.
  2. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 4 hours., stirring at halfway point. Serve on a toothpick as an appetizer. Or, serve with rice or noodles along with sauce in slow cooker for a meal. 
  3. *If you can’t find the dressing, swap for this mixture whisked together in a bow: 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup lime juice, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons corn starch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.   

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce – Pour This on Everything!

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel SauceI hope you’re wearing floaties — if you’re anything like me, you’ll be jumping headfirst into this Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce and eating your way out. This super easy recipe is a life-saver for last-minute fall holiday entertaining and any and every day when you just want to pack in a little extra pumpkin (hello antioxidents and fiber), it can literally be made in 5 minutes and served a zillion different ways.

Pin this Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce, it’s a keeper!

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel is a fall season treat that is delicious on everything from fruit slices, pound cake, and other desserts and autumn and thanksgiving treats.

Serve on apple slices for the ultimate healthy fall treat.

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce om apples

Or, serve on pound cake . . . . or on ice cream, yogurt, in a smoothie, on a pie, by the spoon. You get the idea.

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce

freshsummitThis is one of the half-dozen recipes I’ll be dishing up on behalf of Litehouse Foods at the Produce Marketing Associations Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in Atlanta, GA this weekend.

Stay tuned for more yumminess!
Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting

 

If you need more pumpkin love, don’t forget about my Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Donuts . . .

Not So Scary Pumpkin Spice Latte

 

 

 

 

. . .and Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Spice Latte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, you can always check out all the comfy, goodness in Cooking Light’s collection of pumpkin bread recipes.  Feel free to pour my Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce over any of these!
Pumpkin Bread and Muffin REcipes

What would you pour this sauce on? What is your favorite pumpkin treat of the fall? Are you sick of pumpkin yet? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Bourbon Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Dessert, Fruit
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 16 ounce tub of Old Fashioned Caramel Dip Litehouse Brand
  • 12 ounces pumkin puree from 15 ounce can
Instructions
  1. Add water and bourbon and bring to boil over medium high heat. Boil for one minute to cook off alcohol.
  2. Lower heat and add caramel and stir until dissolved. Stir in pumpkin until combined.
  3. Serve warm. Keep in in fridge for up to a week.