If you’re anything like me, life gets busy, and sometimes, you just need a meal that practically cooks itself! That’s where these meatball crockpot recipes come in—super convenient and oh-so-delicious! I love how I can toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, my house is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of savory meatballs simmering in marinara sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy families. My favorite part? Sitting around the table with my loved ones, enjoying hearty meatball subs or a cozy bowl of pasta, and sharing stories about our day. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s a dish everyone will adore!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up the most delicious meatballs in your crockpot:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor! If you want to make it gluten-free, just swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get those delicious meatballs rolling! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands (yes, it’s messy, but trust me, it’s the best way!) to mix everything until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it!
Now, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs. Place them gently into the crockpot, making sure they’re not squished together too tightly. This is key for even cooking!
Next, open that jar of marinara sauce and pour it over the meatballs, ensuring they’re completely covered. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meatballs are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Don’t open the lid too often! Each time you do, you let that delicious heat escape. Once finished, serve them up on some pasta or in a sub roll, and get ready for some serious yum!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these scrumptious meatballs:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so these values are just estimates. But one thing’s for sure, you’ll be getting a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick and easy to prepare—just mix and let the crockpot do the work!
- Flavor-packed meatballs that simmer in rich marinara sauce.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends—set it and forget it!
- Gluten-free option available with simple swaps.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Versatile—enjoy them on pasta, in subs, or even on their own!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your meatball crockpot adventure is a total success! First off, don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they’re key for keeping those meatballs tender and juicy. And remember, mix the meatball ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, which we definitely don’t want!
Another tip? Make sure your meatballs are evenly spaced in the crockpot to ensure they cook through evenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some crushed red pepper for a little kick! Lastly, resist the urge to peek too often—keeping that lid closed helps everything cook perfectly. You’ve got this!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with these meatballs! If you want to switch things up, try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to amp up the flavor. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can give it a nice touch too! For those who love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the marinara.
If you’re looking for a different protein, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully for a leaner option. You can also experiment with different sauces—think barbecue or teriyaki for a fun twist! The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds lead the way!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delicious meatballs, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a big bowl of spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in extra marinara sauce for that classic Italian feel. If you’re in the mood for something different, why not try them on a toasted sub roll topped with melted cheese? And let’s not forget a side of garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that rich sauce! A fresh salad also makes a delightful addition to balance out the meal. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store any extra meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to keep that juicy goodness intact. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist while warming. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious as the first time around!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about these delicious meatball crockpot recipes? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Just toss them directly into the crockpot with the marinara sauce. You might need to add a little extra cooking time, but they’ll turn out great!
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! You can bake the meatballs in a dish covered with marinara sauce in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on them!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the crockpot when you’re ready!
What can I serve with meatballs?
These meatballs are fabulous on pasta, in sub rolls, or even served with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. The options are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them juicy!
Meatball Crockpot Recipes for 5-Star Family Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious meatball crockpot recipe for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with pasta or on a sub roll.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatball crockpot recipes
