Go Back
Glazed cocktail turkey meatballs on a serving platter with toothpicks
TrendyTadka Editorial

Slow-Cooker Cocktail Turkey Meatballs in Sweet Tikka Glaze

These Cocktail Turkey Meatballs in Sweet Tikka Glaze are the ultimate party appetizer and game-day crowd-pleaser. Tender, fully-cooked frozen turkey meatballs are simmered in a spiced tikka masala sauce balanced with honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lime. Made with 100% lean turkey (absolutely ), you can whip this up in a 20-minute stovetop skillet or let it simmer effortlessly in your slow cooker for hours.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings (approx. 24-28 meatballs) servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian-American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Meatballs & Base
  • 24 to 28 frozen fully-cooked turkey meatballs approx. 20-24 oz
  • 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
Sweet Tikka Glaze
  • 1 jar 15 oz prepared tikka masala or butter chicken simmer sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for mild kick
  • Juice of 1/2 fresh lime
Serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Toothpicks for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a deep 12-inch skillet (or 4-quart slow cooker), whisk together the tikka simmer sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, butter, smoked paprika, and lime juice until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add the frozen turkey meatballs directly into the sauce. Toss with a rubber spatula until every meatball is completely coated in the glaze.
  3. Cover the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and simmer gently for 3 to 4 more minutes until the sauce reduces into a thick, clinging glaze and meatballs are piping hot (165°F internal).
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours (or HIGH for 1.5 hours) until heated through. Switch to the WARM setting for party grazing throughout the game.
  5. Transfer meatballs to a serving platter or keep warm in the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Set out a dish of toothpicks for easy serving.