Slow Cooker Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. They simmer gently in marinara sauce, creating tender and juicy bites that everyone will love. With minimal effort required, you can unleash a delicious aroma in your home while enjoying the ease of slow cooking. Ideal for serving over pasta, in subs, or as party appetizers, these meatballs are versatile and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply mix the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work.
• Flavorful: The long cooking time allows the meatballs to soak up all the rich flavors of the marinara sauce.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them with spaghetti, make meatball sandwiches, or enjoy them as an appetizer.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these homemade meatballs!
• Meal Prepping Friendly: Great for batch cooking; freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Slow Cooker Meatballs successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is where the magic happens! It allows for even cooking and rich flavors as your meatballs simmer all day.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easier to combine all your ingredients without any mess.
• Knife: Essential for chopping onions and garlic finely, ensuring they blend well into the meat mixture.

Ingredients

These tender, juicy meatballs simmer all day in your slow cooker, creating the perfect comfort food dinner with minimal effort!

For the Meatballs

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sauce

• 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)

For Serving

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra red pepper flakes

How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Ground beef
2. Breadcrumbs
3. Finely chopped onion
4. Minced garlic
5. Milk
6. Eggs
7. Salt
8. Black pepper
9. Dried oregano

Mix gently with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a plate as you go.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Meatballs

Arrange your formed meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce. If necessary, stack them gently.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Sauce

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Step 7: Serve

Before serving, give them a gentle stir to coat with sauce completely. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatballs are incredibly versatile and make for a hearty meal that pleases everyone. Here are some delicious ways to serve them.

Meatball Sandwiches

• Enjoy your meatballs on toasted hoagie rolls, topped with melted cheese and marinara sauce for a classic meatball sub.

Pasta Dish

• Serve the meatballs over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, drizzling with extra marinara sauce and garnishing with Parmesan cheese.

Snack Platter

• Create a party platter by serving meatballs as bite-sized snacks, accompanied by toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping.

Meatball Pizza

• Use cooked meatballs as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza dough, adding mozzarella cheese and fresh herbs for an Italian twist.

Meatball Soup

• Add the meatballs to a rich broth with vegetables and pasta to create a comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly nights.

On Rice

• Plate the meatballs over fluffy rice, drenching them in sauce for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs

To ensure your Slow Cooker Meatballs turn out tender and flavorful, follow these simple tips.

• Use high-quality beef: Choosing lean ground beef or a mix of beef, pork, and veal can enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overworking the meat can lead to tough meatballs.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming balls; you can always add more salt or spices according to your preference.
• Add moisture: Including breadcrumbs soaked in milk helps keep the meatballs juicy during cooking.
• Layer carefully: Layering the meatballs gently in the slow cooker prevents them from breaking apart while cooking.
• Let them rest: Allowing the meatballs to sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Meatballs can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the rich flavors of the sauce while providing a crunchy texture.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots roasted with olive oil add a healthy touch.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing balances the hearty nature of meatballs nicely.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base for saucy meatballs.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs offers another delicious way to soak up the marinara sauce.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and is refreshing alongside warm meatballs.
8. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad can be an excellent side option, especially during warmer months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Meatballs can be a breeze, but it’s easy to trip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong meat: Ground beef is ideal, but don’t shy away from using turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Choose what you enjoy most.
• Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. Omitting them can lead to crumbles instead of delicious meatballs.
• Overmixing the meat mixture: Mixing too much can make your meatballs tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, and you’ll have tender bites.
• Not browning beforehand: While it’s not necessary, browning meatballs before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Consider this step if you have time!
• Neglecting to season properly: Take care with your seasoning! Taste as you go or adjust based on preference. A little salt and pepper go a long way.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let meatballs cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Slow Cooker Meatballs

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Slow Cooker Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second increments until warmed, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in marinara sauce over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Slow Cooker Meatballs take to cook?

Slow Cooker Meatballs typically take 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH.

Can I use frozen meatballs in my slow cooker?

Yes! You can use frozen meatballs, but they will need additional cooking time. Plan for an extra hour on LOW.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!

Are Slow Cooker Meatballs gluten-free?

You can easily make gluten-free meatballs by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile! Perfect for dinner or entertaining guests, you can customize flavors and sauces to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your home!