Life can get busy, and spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. That’s where Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs come to the rescue. These meatballs are the epitome of convenience and flavor, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or for feeding a hungry crowd at a party. The magic of the slow cooker does all the work for you, simmering the meatballs in a rich, savory sauce until they’re tender and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into this effortless recipe that will become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or substitute with more beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
Preparing the Sauce:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Slow Cooking:
- Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a base.
- Carefully arrange the meatballs in the slow cooker, layering them if necessary. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serving:
- Once the meatballs are ready, serve them hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations and Tips
- Sausage Mix: You can add some Italian sausage to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Ground Meat Choices: Feel free to experiment with different ground meats like turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats to suit your taste.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs are a testament to the beauty of simple, no-fuss cooking that yields fantastic results. With a rich and flavorful sauce enveloping tender meatballs, this dish is the embodiment of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or simply with a crusty baguette, these meatballs will fill your home with enticing aromas and delight your taste buds. The slow cooker does the hard work for you, making it a perfect choice for busy days or when you want to effortlessly impress your family and guests. So, let the slow cooker work its magic, and savor every bite of this scrumptious, saucy delight. Enjoy!
