Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Cooking meatballs in a crockpot is honestly one of the easiest and most satisfying things you can do in the kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t love coming home to the smell of tender, flavorful meatballs bubbling away? It’s like a warm hug after a long day! And the best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, you’ll never want to make them any other way. They’re perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or just a simple weeknight meal. So, let’s dive into this deliciousness, shall we?
Ingredients for Meatballs Crockpot
To whip up these delightful meatballs, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
Make sure your ground beef is nice and fresh; it really makes a difference! And don’t skimp on the parsley—it adds a lovely brightness to the meatballs. Oh, and if you have other herbs you love, feel free to toss them in. Cooking is all about making it your own, right?
How to Prepare Meatballs Crockpot
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring these meatballs to life! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so you can get it just right. The process is super simple and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s get started!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands (trust me, it’s the best way!) to gently mix everything together until just combined. You want the mixture to be moist but not overly sticky—like a soft dough that holds together nicely. If it feels too wet, just add a sprinkle more breadcrumbs.
Forming the Meatballs
Next, it’s time to shape those meatballs! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Make sure to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place each meatball on a plate or a baking sheet as you go. This part is fun—like making little meatball friends!
Cooking in the Crockpot
Once your meatballs are all shaped, it’s time for the magic! Carefully place them in the crockpot in a single layer. Then, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all covered. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Just walk away and let that crockpot work its wonders!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways you’re going to adore these meatballs! Here’s why this recipe has a permanent spot in my cooking rotation:
- Effortless preparation—just mix, form, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Tender and juicy meatballs that practically melt in your mouth.
- Rich, flavorful marinara sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly.
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd—everyone loves them!
- Versatile enough to serve with pasta, on a sub roll, or on their own.
- Gluten-free option with easy ingredient swaps!
Seriously, once you try these meatballs, you’ll be hooked! They’re the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together.
Tips for Success
To make these meatballs truly shine, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me! First, don’t hesitate to taste the mixture before forming the meatballs—adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Also, keep in mind that not all ground beef is created equal; using a mix with a bit of fat will yield juicier meatballs. Lastly, if you want to add some extra flavor, consider mixing in some chopped onions or bell peppers. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these scrumptious meatballs is estimated to pack in about 300 calories, which is pretty decent for a hearty meal. You’re looking at roughly 15 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, with 2 grams of fiber, they’re a satisfying option. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but they give you a solid idea of what to expect. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free feast!
FAQ About Meatballs Crockpot
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making the most delicious meatballs in your crockpot. Let’s clear things up!
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might yield a slightly different texture, so feel free to play around until you find your favorite!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the meatballs cool down, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, they taste just as good the next day!
Can I freeze the meatballs?
You sure can! Whether cooked or uncooked, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your delicious meatballs are ready, let’s talk about how to serve them up! One of my favorite ways is to pair them with a big bowl of spaghetti and extra marinara sauce—there’s just something magical about that classic combo! You can also serve them on a toasted sub roll for a hearty meatball sandwich, topped with melted cheese and maybe a sprinkle of fresh basil. For a lighter option, toss them with a fresh green salad or serve alongside roasted vegetables. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these meatballs are sure to impress!
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Meatballs Crockpot: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave Them Daily
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flavorful meatballs cooked in a crockpot.
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 Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Serve with pasta or on a sub roll.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- 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
