Oh my goodness, let me tell you about crockpot meatballs! They’re like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. I absolutely love how they simmer away in the crockpot, filling my kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma of marinara sauce and garlic. Seriously, it’s the perfect meal when you’ve got a million things to do but still want something delicious for dinner. Plus, the best part? You just mix the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and let the crockpot do all the magic! It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these every week!
Ingredients for Crockpot Meatballs
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to whip up your crockpot meatballs. You’ll need:
- 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
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating tender meatballs that soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
How to Prepare Crockpot Meatballs
Preparing crockpot meatballs is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through the steps! First, let’s start by mixing all those wonderful ingredients together.
Mixing the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (it’s the best tool!) to mix everything together gently. You want to blend it until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs might get tough! The mixture should be moist but hold together nicely when you shape it. If it feels too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs.
Shaping the Meatballs
Now for the fun part! Grab a small handful of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for cooking evenly and makes for great bites! If you want them all to be uniform, you can use a cookie scoop to get even portions. Just remember to keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.
Cooking in the Crockpot
Once your meatballs are shaped, it’s time to get them cooking! Place the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure they’re all generously coated. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become. I promise, the wait will be worth it when you dig in!
Tips for Success with Crockpot Meatballs
Want to take your crockpot meatballs to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips! First off, feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option—just keep an eye on the cooking time. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really elevate the flavor. And don’t forget, if you want that extra kick, mixing in some Italian seasoning can do wonders! Lastly, remember to keep the lid on while they cook; it helps lock in all those delicious juices!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Meatballs
Curious about what’s in these delicious meatballs? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one meatball:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But they’re a tasty and satisfying option for a meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Meatballs
Can I Use Different Meats?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as substitutes for ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness a bit earlier. Trust me, these lighter meats will soak up the marinara sauce just as well, giving you those tender, flavorful bites we all adore!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Storing leftover crockpot meatballs is super easy! Just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for these crockpot meatballs! Here’s why:
- Quick and easy preparation—just mix, shape, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Rich, flavorful meatballs that soak up all that delicious marinara sauce.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Kid-friendly and great for feeding a crowd.
- Endless possibilities for customization with spices and sauces.
Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Meatballs
When it comes to serving these delicious crockpot meatballs, the possibilities are endless! For a classic Italian meal, serve them over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. They also make fantastic meatball subs—just pile those tender meatballs onto a crusty sub roll, smother them with extra marinara, and sprinkle some cheese on top. And don’t forget about a fresh salad on the side to balance it all out! Whatever you choose, it’s going to be a hit!
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Crockpot Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs cooked slowly in a sauce.
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, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the 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
- You can add other spices to taste.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: crockpot meatballs
