If you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner idea, then you’ve hit the jackpot with these *meatballs crockpot* wonders! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like tossing everything into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic while you go about your day. This recipe is not just easy; it’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without all the fuss. Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of tender meatballs simmering in rich marinara sauce—yum! Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those hectic days.
Ingredients List
- 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 black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Now, get in there with your hands and mix everything well—trust me, it’s the best way to ensure all those flavors meld together.
- Once you’ve got a nice, uniform mixture, it’s time to roll up your sleeves! Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for even cooking and easy serving.
- Now, gently place those beautiful meatballs into your crockpot. Don’t worry about them crowding; they’ll be cozy in there! Next, pour the marinara sauce all over the meatballs, making sure they’re well-coated. This is where the magic happens!
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, go for the high setting and let them cook for about 3 hours. But if you can, set it to low and let those flavors deepen for about 6 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are perfectly tender. It’s going to be hard to resist the tempting smell filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just mix, roll, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Flavorful meatballs that soak up the delicious marinara sauce as they cook.
- Perfect for busy weeknights—set it and forget it while you tackle other tasks.
- Great for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-approved and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time? Here are some pro tips! First, be sure to mix your ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, and nobody wants that! Also, for even cooking in the crockpot, arrange the meatballs in a single layer if possible. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger crockpot to prevent overcrowding. Keep an eye on the cooking time; if you’re on the high setting, check them around the 2.5-hour mark to see if they’re done. Finally, don’t skip the marinara sauce—it adds moisture and flavor that makes these meatballs irresistible!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s no shortage of ways to customize these meatballs! For a flavor twist, try adding chopped fresh basil or oregano to the mixture for that classic Italian touch. Want a kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. If you’re a fan of different sauces, swap out the marinara for barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist, or even a teriyaki glaze for an Asian-inspired flair. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat—turkey or chicken work beautifully too! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! You can store your meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! You can pop them in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they heat evenly. If you prefer, reheat them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Either way, you’ll be savoring those delicious flavors all over again!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about what’s in these tasty meatballs? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is about 4 meatballs. You’re looking at approximately 300 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, and 20 grams of protein. They also contain around 18 grams of carbohydrates, along with 1 gram of fiber and 4 grams of sugar. With 600 mg of sodium, this meal is definitely on the flavorful side! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something hearty and delicious!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delicious meatballs in the crockpot? Here are some common ones I hear!
Can I use frozen meatballs? Absolutely! Just toss them in the crockpot with the marinara sauce and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6–7 hours until heated through.
What can I serve with these meatballs? They’re fantastic over pasta, in sub rolls for meatball sandwiches, or even on top of a salad if you’re looking for something lighter!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatballs, store them in the fridge, and then pop them in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? No problem! You can use crushed crackers or even oats as a substitute in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe? For sure! Just make sure your crockpot can handle it, and keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may need a tad longer.
Drucken
Meatballs Crockpot Magic: 5 Steps to Dinner Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Easy and flavorful meatballs cooked in a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 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 black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Anweisungen
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Notes
- Serve with pasta or on a sub roll.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Slow Cooking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 4 meatballs
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs crockpot
