Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make meatballs—my trusty crockpot! Seriously, these meatballs crockpot are a game changer. You just mix everything up, roll those little flavor bombs, and let the slow cooker do its magic while you kick back and relax. The smell that fills the house as they cook is just heavenly, and they always remind me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, ready to dig in. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these meatballs are always a hit! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making them sooner. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious meatballs crockpot ever! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Make sure your ground beef is fresh—trust me, it makes all the difference! And don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese; it adds that lovely depth of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy! In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I usually like to mix it all together with my hands—trust me, it’s the best way to get everything evenly incorporated. You want a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together well, but don’t overdo it; just mix until it’s combined. If you find it too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. It should be moist but not sticky. Once you’ve got that perfect consistency, you’re ready to roll!
Forming and Cooking the Meatballs
Now for the fun part—forming those meatballs! Take a small handful of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it between your palms until it’s nice and round. Place each meatball into the crockpot as you go. Make sure they’re not too packed in there; you want them to have a little space to cook evenly. Once all your meatballs are in, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure they’re well coated. Then, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just mix, roll, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Rich, mouthwatering flavor that makes these meatballs a family favorite.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
- Minimal clean-up—everything cooks in one pot, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with spaghetti, sub rolls, or even on their own!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your meatballs crockpot turn out absolutely perfect every time! First, don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients—swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re catering to a gluten-free diet. Another tip? Sauté the garlic before mixing it in; it adds an amazing depth of flavor! When forming your meatballs, try using an ice cream scoop for uniform sizes, making sure they cook evenly. And don’t forget, you can add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for an extra flavor kick! Serve these beauties with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and they’ll be the star of your dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind these delicious meatballs crockpot. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 meatball):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—these meatballs are not just tasty, they also pack a satisfying punch of protein and flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Absolutely! These meatballs crockpot are perfect for freezing. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Just place them in the crockpot with the marinara sauce and cook on low for about 4 hours. It’s a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal!
What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?
Oh, there are so many delicious ways to serve meatballs crockpot! You can toss them with spaghetti for a classic dish, serve them on toasted sub rolls with melted cheese for a meatball sub, or even enjoy them as a party appetizer with toothpicks. They’re super versatile!
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
If you love a kick of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or mix in a bit of hot sauce. It’s a simple way to amp up the flavor without too much fuss. Just be sure to taste as you go!
What should I do if my meatballs fall apart while cooking?
If your meatballs are falling apart, it might be due to a couple of reasons—maybe the mixture was too wet or they were overcooked. Make sure you’re using enough breadcrumbs to hold them together, and don’t skip the egg! If they’re still falling apart, you can try adjusting the cooking time slightly. Less cooking time can help them maintain their shape better.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your delicious meatballs crockpot is super easy. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep! If you want to keep them longer, freeze those meatballs! Just pop them in freezer bags or airtight containers, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, the microwave works just fine, but I recommend heating them gently on the stovetop with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful. Just warm them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You’ll have a tasty meal in no time!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving these scrumptious meatballs crockpot! My all-time favorite way is to serve them over a steaming plate of spaghetti. The combination of tender meatballs and rich marinara sauce just can’t be beaten! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, toast up some sub rolls, pile in the meatballs, and top with gooey melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub that’ll blow your mind!
And don’t forget garnishing! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color, and a dash of grated Parmesan on top just takes it to the next level. You can even throw in some sliced olives or pepperoncini for a little extra flair. Whatever you choose, these meatballs are sure to impress and make every meal feel like a special occasion!
Print
Meatballs Crockpot: 5 Simple Steps to Heavenly Flavors
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe makes delicious meatballs cooked in a crockpot. Perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Notes
- Serve with spaghetti or on a sub roll.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs crockpot
