Slow Cooker Meatballs
Welcome to the easiest way to make a meatball! When I made these for the first time, I was skeptical about them actually holding their shape in the Slow Cooker without browning them first. Turns out, this method works like a charm! The Slow Cooker is the easiest way to make a big batch of tender Italian meatballs for a crowd, your family, or during weekday meal prep. You can easily double this recipe and can even prepare it all a day ahead of time. It also makes a great freezer food! Have I convinced you yet?
Additional Meat Options
An equal combination of ground beef, sausage, and veal is also very tasty! Ground turkey or ground chicken may also be incorporated
How to Make them
Combine the meatball ingredients gently with your hands. Roll into 1.5 inch balls.
80% Ground Beef- See below for different meat options and combinations. Egg Parmesan Cheese Garlic- Fresh garlic minced at home, a garlic twister makes it easy! Italian Breadcrumbs– I recommend my homemade breadcrumb recipe. Onions Salt/Pepper Fresh Parsley Marinara Sauce– Try my homemade marinara!
Place in them in a lightly greased Slow Cooker.
Top with marinara sauce, no need to stir. Heat on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7. Stir, serve, and enjoy!
Doubling this Recipe
This recipe is easy to double. Place the first batch of meatballs in the Slow Cooker and top with some of the sauce. Then add the remaining meatballs and sauce on top of that. Allow the Crock Pot an additional 20 minutes or so to get up to temperature. The meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Make Ahead Method
Mix the meat a day ahead of time. Form into balls and place on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate overnight. Place in the Slow Cooker, add the sauce, and add an additional 20 minutes of cooking time for them to come to temperature.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What to Serve This With
Garlic Bread with Cheese Salad with homemade Italian or Caesar Dressing Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls & Butter Homemade Marinara Sauce
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