Crockpot Meatballs – Page 2

Directions

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything evenly.
Shape the Meatballs: Use a small scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into meatballs, about one inch in diameter. For uniform cooking, try to keep each meatball around the same size.
Arrange in Crockpot: Pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your crockpot, then add the meatballs, spreading them evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it on low. Cook for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them warm. They’re perfect as is or paired with pasta, bread, or even a simple side salad.

Choose Quality Meat: Ground beef with a moderate fat content (like 80/20) will yield juicy, tender meatballs.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Over-mixing the meatball mixture can make them tough. Mix gently until just combined.
Customize the Sauce: Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce, or add a splash of red wine for extra depth.
Add Extra Veggies: For a nutrient boost, try adding grated carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture.
Skip the Sear: Some meatball recipes require browning before slow cooking, but with this recipe, you can skip the searing step for added simplicity.

To store leftover crockpot meatballs:

Refrigerate: Place cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own:

Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of pork and beef for a different flavor.
Try Different Herbs: Basil and oregano add fresh flavor, or add chopped spinach to sneak in extra greens.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a hint of heat.

Serve your crockpot meatballs with one of these delicious side dishes:

Pasta: Toss spaghetti or penne in a bit of the sauce for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad pairs well with the rich, hearty meatballs.
Red Wine: A full-bodied red like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the flavors beautifully.