Olivia Carter
Meatballs are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own. While traditionally cooked on the stove or in the oven, making meatballs in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious alternative. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that the whole family will love.
To make meatballs in a slow cooker, start by combining ground meat, such as beef, veal, or pork, with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and beaten eggs. This mixture can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for added flavor. The secret to tender meatballs is to avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can make them tough.
Once the meatball mixture is ready, shape it into small, round balls. The size can vary depending on personal preference, but aim for consistency to ensure even cooking. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, taking care not to overcrowd them. If desired, you can also add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Next, pour your favorite marinara sauce or tomato sauce over the meatballs. You can use homemade sauce or a store-bought version – whichever you prefer. Make sure the sauce covers the meatballs entirely to prevent them from drying out. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top.
How to Make Delicious Meatballs in a Slow Cooker
Making meatballs in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this classic dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and results in tender and juicy meatballs.
To make delicious 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 chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Follow these steps to make your delicious meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 24 meatballs.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Pour half of the tomato mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are fully covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta or as a delicious appetizer.
Enjoy your homemade, delicious meatballs made in a slow cooker. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Note: You can also add other seasonings or spices to customize the flavor of your meatballs. Feel free to experiment and make them your own!
The Perfect Recipe for Tender and Flavorful Meatballs
If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless way to make meatballs, using a slow cooker is the way to go. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful meatballs that will leave everyone craving for more. Follow this recipe for the perfect meatballs that will soon become a family favorite.
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, whisked egg, milk, dried oregano, dried parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, milk, oregano, parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball. Make sure to roll them tightly, so they hold their shape during the cooking process.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure to leave a bit of space between them so they cook evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatballs on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meatballs to become tender.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, you can serve them with your favorite sauce, such as marinara or barbecue sauce. They pair perfectly with pasta, rice, or as a meatball sub.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
By using a slow cooker, you can effortlessly create tender and flavorful meatballs that will impress your family and friends. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together perfectly, resulting in delicious meatballs that are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food at its best!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooking Meatballs
Slow cooking meatballs is a delicious and convenient way to prepare this classic dish. Here are the steps to make meatballs in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 24 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, you can serve them with pasta, rice, or enjoy them on their own.
A slow cooker is a fantastic appliance for making meatballs as it allows the flavors to develop and the meatballs to become tender and juicy. This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Try making these slow cooker meatballs and enjoy a comforting and satisfying dish!
| Cooking Time | Low Heat | High Heat |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
Questions and answers
What ingredients do I need to make meatballs in a slow cooker?
To make meatballs in a slow cooker, you will need ground meat (such as beef or pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, grated cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs (such as oregano and basil), salt, pepper, and your choice of sauce (such as marinara or BBQ).
Do I need to pre-cook the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker?
No, you do not need to pre-cook the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker. The slow cooking process will fully cook the meatballs, allowing them to become tender and flavorful.
