Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of meatballs, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make them in a slow cooker. The answer is a resounding yes! Slow cookers are not only great for soups and stews, but they can also be used to make delicious meatballs. This cooking method is perfect for those busy days when you don’t have the time or energy to stand over a hot stove. Plus, slow-cooked meatballs have a tender and moist texture that is simply irresistible.
One of the advantages of using a slow cooker to make meatballs is that it allows the flavors to meld together over a longer period of time. This results in a rich and savory sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. The slow cooker acts as a gentle cooking vessel, melting the fat in the meat and infusing the sauce with all the delicious flavors. The end result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and will leave you wanting more.
To make meatballs in a slow cooker, start by combining ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite seasonings in a bowl. Shape the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet to give them a nice crust. Then, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker and pour your favorite sauce over them. Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for a few hours. In no time, you’ll have tender and juicy meatballs waiting for you to enjoy.
Whether you’re making meatballs for a weeknight dinner or for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, using a slow cooker is a convenient and foolproof method. So go ahead and dust off that slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some mouthwatering meatballs that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Meatballs in a Slow Cooker
Making meatballs in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to create flavorful and tender meatballs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in delicious and mouthwatering meatballs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make meatballs in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
To make meatballs in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
| 1 pound ground beef | 1/2 cup breadcrumbs |
| 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup milk |
| 1/4 cup chopped parsley | 1/4 cup finely chopped onion |
| 1 clove garlic, minced | 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1/4 teaspoon dried basil | 1 egg, beaten |
| 1 jar marinara sauce | 1/4 cup water |
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to make meatballs in a slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and beaten egg. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- In a slow cooker, pour the marinara sauce and water. Stir to combine.
- Place the meatballs into the slow cooker, making sure they are completely covered in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve the meatballs with the marinara sauce over pasta or as desired.
That’s it! Enjoy your flavorful and tender meatballs made in a slow cooker.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you can make meatballs in a slow cooker, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 can (18 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
To make meatballs in a slow cooker, you will need to start by preparing the meatball mixture. Here’s how:
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- If the mixture feels too dry, you can add some milk or beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients together.
- If you prefer, you can also add additional spices or herbs to the mixture to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include onion powder, paprika, or dried basil.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape it into meatballs. You can make them as small or as large as you like, but keep in mind that larger meatballs may take longer to cook in the slow cooker.
- Place the shaped meatballs onto a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and set them aside.
Now that your meatball mixture is ready, you can move on to cooking them in the slow cooker.
Shape the Meatballs
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Start by using a scoop or spoon to portion out a small amount of the mixture, about the size of a golf ball or 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Gently roll the mixture between your hands to form a ball, making sure not to pack it too tightly. The meatballs should be firm but still tender.
Place each shaped meatball onto a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Continue shaping the rest of the mixture into meatballs, making sure to leave some space between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
Once all the meatballs are shaped, they are ready to be cooked in the slow cooker. Follow your recipe’s instructions for cooking time and temperature.
Cook the Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Cooking meatballs in a slow cooker is a convenient and hassle-free way to prepare this classic dish. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender and juicy.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook meatballs in a slow cooker:
- First, prepare the meatballs by combining ground meat (such as beef or pork), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and dried herbs) in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the meatball mixture is ready, shape it into small, evenly-sized balls. You can use an ice cream scoop or your hands for this step.
- Next, preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Browning the meatballs will help enhance their flavor.
- After browning the meatballs, transfer them to the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they have enough space to cook evenly.
- Pour your choice of sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or even a barbecue sauce can work well. Make sure the sauce covers the meatballs completely.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the heat setting of your slow cooker. You can check for doneness by cutting one meatball in half and ensuring it is cooked through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, you can serve them with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. They also make a delicious appetizer when served with toothpicks. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, for added flavor.
Cooking meatballs in a slow cooker is a simple and effortless way to enjoy this classic dish. The slow cooking process helps infuse the meatballs with flavor, resulting in tender and delicious bites. Give it a try and savor the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen!
Make the Sauce
To make the sauce for your slow cooker meatballs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Start by combining the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste in the slow cooker. Stir to mix well. Then, add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cooking Tip:
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after it has cooked.
Once the sauce is prepared, you can proceed to add the meatballs to the slow cooker. It’s important to make sure the sauce is fully covering the meatballs, as this will help keep them moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Now that you have your sauce ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: making the meatballs!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker and have absorbed all the delicious flavors of the sauce, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few suggestions on how to serve your slow cooker meatballs:
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve the meatballs over a bed of warm spaghetti noodles and spoon the sauce on top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor.
Meatball Subs: Split open some crusty rolls and place a few meatballs inside. Top with extra sauce and some melted cheese. Toast the subs in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Meatball Sliders: For a fun and bite-sized option, place a meatball on a small slider bun. Add a dollop of sauce and a slice of cheese for a mini meatball sandwich that’s perfect for parties or appetizers.
Meatball Stir-Fry: Use the cooked meatballs as a protein in a stir-fry dish. Sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas, then add the meatballs and sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
No matter how you choose to serve your slow cooker meatballs, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the flavorful combination of tender meatballs and rich sauce. Bon appétit!
Questions and answers
Can I make meatballs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely make meatballs in a slow cooker. It’s a convenient and easy way to cook meatballs, as the slow cooker allows them to simmer and cook slowly, resulting in tender and flavorful meatballs.
What type of meat can I use to make meatballs in a slow cooker?
You can use various types of meat to make meatballs in a slow cooker. Common options include ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, or a combination of different types of ground meat. You can also experiment with different ratios to find the taste and texture you prefer.
Do I need to cook meatballs before putting them in a slow cooker?
No, you don’t need to cook meatballs before putting them in a slow cooker. One of the benefits of using a slow cooker is that it allows you to cook raw ingredients, such as raw meatballs. Simply shape the raw meatball mixture and place them directly into the slow cooker to cook them.
How long does it take to cook meatballs in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for meatballs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the heat setting of your slow cooker. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-4 hours on high heat. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked.
