This crockpot meatballs recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce. It's an easy and delicious dish that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Photos of Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
If you don't usually stock up on Italian bread crumbs, parsley, or Parmesan cheese, you'll need to add these to your shopping list. These ingredients are essential for giving the meatballs their distinct Italian flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Lean ground beef: The base for your meatballs, providing rich flavor and a hearty texture.
Italian bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds a subtle Italian seasoning.
Onion: Adds moisture and a slight sweetness to the meatballs.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of the meatballs and sauce.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a mild, fresh flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the meatballs.
Pasta sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, adding a rich tomato flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a robust and aromatic flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and depth to the sauce.
Diced tomatoes: Gives the sauce a chunky texture and a fresh tomato flavor.
Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
One reader, Clareta Scarbrough says:
This crockpot meatballs recipe is a game-changer! The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and delicious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Techniques Required for Making Crockpot Meatballs
How to combine ingredients: Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, Italian seasoning, egg, parsley, and Parmesan cheese thoroughly in a bowl until well combined. How to form meatballs: Use a tablespoon to scoop the meat mixture and roll it between your hands to form 24 evenly sized meatballs. How to prepare sauce: Mix the pasta sauce, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl until well combined. How to use a slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, place the meatballs at the bottom, pour the sauce over them, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
How To Make Crockpot Meatballs
This meatballs recipe allows you to make juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs in savory tomato sauce with the help of your slow cooker.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lblean ground beef
- ⅓cupItalian bread crumbs
- ¼cuponion,finely diced
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- 1egg
- ¼cupparsley,fresh, chopped
- ¼cupparmesan cheese
For Sauce:
- 24ozpasta sauce
- 2cloves garlic
- 14ozcrushed tomatoes,canned
- 28ozdiced tomatoes,canned, undrained
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
Instructions
-
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
-
Combine all meatball ingredients in a a bowl. Using a tablespoon, form 24 meatballs. Place uncooked meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
-
Combine all sauce ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over meatballs and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours.
-
Serve over pasta.
Nutrition
- Calories: 337.61kcal
- Fat: 20.65g
- Saturated Fat: 7.64g
- Trans Fat: 1.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 17.88g
- Fiber: 4.82g
- Sugar: 9.97g
- Protein: 20.52g
- Cholesterol: 85.24mg
- Sodium: 724.90mg
- Calcium: 163.97mg
- Potassium: 879.06mg
- Iron: 4.32mg
- Vitamin A: 83.36µg
- Vitamin C: 21.99mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Crockpot Meatballs
When forming the meatballs, make sure to lightly oil your hands. This will prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your fingers and will help you shape the meatballs more easily and uniformly.
Time-Saving Tips for Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and parsley the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-made bread crumbs: Opt for store-bought Italian bread crumbs to cut down on preparation time.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch of meatballs and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Pre-mix the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl the night before, so you can just pour it over the meatballs in the morning.
Use a cookie scoop: Form meatballs quickly and uniformly using a cookie scoop.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and has a similar texture, making it a healthier alternative.
italian bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs provide a similar binding effect and can add a slightly different texture to the meatballs.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity to provide a subtle onion taste.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs and can add a slightly different aromatic profile.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can replace one egg and act as a binder.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the meatballs.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.
pasta sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a similar tomato-based sauce that can be used interchangeably with pasta sauce.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equating to one clove.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato puree: Tomato puree has a similar consistency and can be used to achieve the same rich tomato flavor.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor while maintaining the same texture.
italian seasoning - Substitute with oregano and basil: A mix of oregano and basil can replicate the flavor profile of Italian seasoning.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Meatballs
Serve smaller portion sizes: Plate the meatballs in a refined manner, using only three to four meatballs per serving to maintain elegance and focus on quality.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese to add color and sophistication.
Create height: Stack the meatballs strategically to create visual interest and height on the plate, making the dish look more dynamic.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle the pasta sauce artistically around the meatballs, rather than simply pouring it over, to highlight the dish's components.
Use high-quality pasta: Serve the meatballs over freshly made pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, which adds a touch of luxury and texture.
Add a touch of luxury: Incorporate a small amount of truffle oil or balsamic reduction as a finishing touch to elevate the flavors and presentation.
Plate on elegant dishware: Use a pristine white plate or a plate with a subtle design to make the colors of the meatballs and sauce pop, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Balance colors: Ensure the plate has a balance of colors by adding a small side of blanched vegetables or a microgreens salad to contrast with the rich red sauce and meatballs.
Focus on texture: Add a crunchy element, such as a parmesan crisp, to provide a textural contrast to the tender meatballs and sauce.
Finish with finesse: Lightly sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a final touch of elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Meatballs
Slow cooker: This is the primary appliance used to cook the meatballs and sauce slowly, ensuring they are tender and flavorful.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the inside of the slow cooker to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the meatball ingredients thoroughly.
Tablespoon: Used to measure out and form the meatballs to ensure they are uniform in size.
Large bowl: Needed to mix all the sauce ingredients together before pouring over the meatballs.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the bread crumbs, onion, parsley, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients accurately.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the onion and parsley finely.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and parsley.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the meatballs and sauce over pasta.
Storing and Freezing Crockpot Meatballs
Once the meatballs are cooked, allow them to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and causing the meatballs to become soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen crockpot meatballs will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, you can either:
- Thaw the meatballs and sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Place the frozen meatballs and sauce directly in a saucepan and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method may take longer but doesn't require advance planning.
When reheating, make sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the meatballs, as this can affect their texture and quality. It's best to portion them out into smaller quantities before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
How To Reheat Leftover Crockpot Meatballs
Reheat in the slow cooker: Place the leftover meatballs and sauce back into the slow cooker. Set the temperature to low and let them simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This method allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even tastier dish.
Reheat in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the meatballs and sauce to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops of the meatballs to brown slightly, giving them a more appealing appearance and texture.
Reheat on the stovetop: Place the meatballs and sauce in a large saucepan or pot over medium-low heat. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs apart. This method allows you to quickly reheat the dish and easily monitor the temperature to prevent overheating.
Reheat in the microwave: While not the most ideal method, the microwave can be used for a quick and easy reheat. Place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir the meatballs and sauce, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the meatballs to become tough and rubbery.
Reheat and repurpose: Transform your leftover meatballs into a new dish by slicing them up and using them as a topping for pizza, adding them to a sub sandwich, or incorporating them into a pasta bake. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of the meatballs in a new way and creates an entirely different meal with minimal effort.
Interesting Fact About Crockpot Meatballs
A fun fact about this crockpot meatballs recipe is that using a slow cooker allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce more thoroughly, resulting in a richer and more savory dish.
Is Making Crockpot Meatballs at Home Cost-Effective?
This crockpot meatballs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using lean ground beef, italian bread crumbs, and pantry staples like pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes, it keeps expenses low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Crockpot Meatballs Healthy or Unhealthy?
The crockpot meatballs recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat, especially if not using a lean variety.
- Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add additional calories, carbohydrates, and fat to the meatballs.
- The sauce contains a significant amount of canned tomato products, which can be high in sodium.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as onion, garlic, and parsley, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner ground beef (90% lean or higher) or substitute a portion of the beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of Italian breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a low-fat variety to cut down on calories and fat.
- Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomato products to control the sodium content of the sauce.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the sauce, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, to boost the nutrient density of the dish.
- Serve the meatballs over whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles to add fiber and reduce the overall carbohydrate content of the meal.
Editor's Opinion on Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
This crockpot meatballs recipe is a convenient and flavorful option for a hearty meal. The combination of lean ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese ensures a rich, savory taste. The slow cooker method allows the meatballs to absorb the robust flavors of the pasta sauce, garlic, and tomatoes, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs. The use of Italian seasoning ties the dish together beautifully. Serving over pasta makes it a complete, satisfying dish. However, consider sautéing the onions before adding them to the meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.
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Why trust this Crockpot Meatballs Recipe:
This crockpot meatballs recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of lean ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese ensures a flavorful and tender meatball. The pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes create a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the meatballs. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making this dish both convenient and delicious. Trust this recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
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