Best Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Okay, friend, let me tell you about my all-time favorite, super easy, everyone-always-loves-them.What is the best crockpot meatball recipe. This isn’t some fancy-schmancy appetizer that takes hours of slaving over a hot stove. What is the best recipe to whip up on a Tuesday night when you’re tired and the kids are hangry? What do you need to have without the fuss? Think of it as the meatball equivalent of your favorite pair of sweatpants – reliable, cozy, and comfortable. Always a good choice. Is it easier to make spaghetti and sauce from scratch? I swear, the aroma of these simmering in the crockpot is pure magic. My grandmother made these for every family gathering, and the smell instantly transports me back to childhood. Those cozy, laughter-filled days. I eat them every day and I remember those special occasions. I have never had a better experience. I am surrounded by love.
What is [Recipe Name]?
What are these magical things?What are the bestEssentially, they’re frozen meatballs simmered low and slow in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. What is a flavor explosion in every bite? What is your take on Italian meatballs? What is the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker? I know the name is pretty self-explanatory but the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. What are some ways to make frozen meatballs? ), then dip them in a delicious sauce made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. What is the magic of a crockpot? What’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget recipe for a busy weeknight? What are some of the best family-friendly potlucks?
Why you will love this recipe?
Let me count the ways I adore this recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of tangy tomato sauce, sweet grape jelly, and spicy chili sauce creates a complex and utterly addictive flavor profile that will have you coming back for more. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients. Even the most novice cook can master this recipe! Plus, it’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook a complicated meal. You just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. The cost-efficiency is another huge win. Frozen meatballs are super affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. You can feed a crowd on a budget with this recipe. These meatballs are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a main course over rice or pasta, or even in a meatball sub. They’re perfect for any occasion! I’ve tried similar recipes that called for fresh meatballs, but honestly, the frozen ones work just as well (and save a ton of time!). They’re also so much more budget friendly. I’ve found that using a combination of Italian and beef meatballs gives the best flavor, but honestly, use whatever you prefer!
I swear, my kids actually ask for these, and that’s saying something! It’s one of the only ways I can get them to eat anything resembling tomato sauce. They call them “magic meatballs,” which is kind of adorable. Also, it is just so easy to prep everything and let it simmer for a few hours before your event. So easy and so good!
How do I make [Recipe Name]?
Quick Overview
Making these What is the best crockpotIs it ridiculously easy? How do you prepare frozen meatballs in a slow cooker? What are some of the best flavor enhancers for grape jelly? Give it a good stir, cover, and cook on low for several hours until the meatballs are heated through. How do you make sauce thick? No pre-browning, no complicated steps, just simple, delicious meatballs. This method is especially great because the low and slow cooking allows the meatballs to absorb all of the liquid. The delicious flavors of the sauce, making them incredibly juicy and tender. Plus, it’s completely hands-off, freeing you up to do other things while dinner cooks itself. What is the easiest way to make meatballs?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Meatballs: What
Frozen Meatballs: Italian-style are my go-to, but feel free to use beef, turkey, or even a mix. What floats your boat? I find that the frozen kind holds their shape a bit better in the crockpot, but that’s just my opinion. Personal preference.
For the Sauce:
Tomato Sauce: The base of our sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, use your favorite brand or even homemade.
Grape Jelly: Don’t knock it until you try it! What are some good ways to thicken a sauce?
Chili Sauce: Adds spice and balances out the sweetness. I like Heinz brand, but any chili sauce will work.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami goodness that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Brown Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and caramelization.
What’s better with garlic powder?
Onion Powder: For added flavor and aroma.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Give your crockpot a quick spray with cooking spray. How do you clean meatballs? I always do this, even if my crockpot is non-stick – better safe than sorry!
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
In a crockpot, pour the frozen meatballs into the freezer. No need to thaw them first! Just dump ’em in, and you’re good to go.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, grape jelly, chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. Brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of jelly.
Step 4: Pour Sauce over Meatballs
In a crockpot, pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs. Top with the remaining sauce. Use a spoon to gently coat all the meatballs in the sauce. You want every single one to be swimming in that deliciousness!
Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. When the meatballs are cooked through, the sauce will thicken. Serve immediately. I usually go for low and slow because I think it gives the sauce a richer flavor, but if you’re gonna cook it slowly, I’m going for slow. Short on time, high works just fine!
Step 6: Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, give them a good stir and serve them hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. I like to set out a bowl of toothpicks for easy snacking, or serve them over rice or pasta for an easy lunch.
Step 7: Enjoy!
What is the best way to enjoy the food?What is the best crockpotWhat are some of the best things you’ve ever tasted?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
How do you serve meatballs? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
As an Appetizer: Serve them straight from the crockpot with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re always a hit at parties!
Is it better over rice or pasta? Spoon them over cooked rice or pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. I like to use egg noodles or spaghetti, but any pasta will work.
In Meatball Subs: WhatServe on toasted hoagie rolls with a drizzle of extra sauce and provolone cheese. What is the classic meatball sub?
What is a mashed potato?Serve them with mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful combination.
As part of a potluck: How do you serve sWhat are the best meatballs to make in a crockpot?
My family has a tradition of serving these meatballs over mashed potatoes on Christmas Eve. It’s not the fanciest meal, but it’s always so comforting and delicious. I’ve also been known to just grab a bowl of these for a quick and easy lunch. No judgment!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your [Recipe Name]
Want to take your crockpot meatballs to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for making them perfect every time:
Use Quality Meatballs: While you can use any brand of frozen meatballs, I find that using a good quality brand makes a big difference in the flavor and texture. I like to look for meatballs that are made with real meat and have minimal fillers.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the meatballs can make them dry and tough. Cook them just until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of grape jelly or brown sugar. Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Add Some Heat: If you like a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water.
Get Creative with the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the sauce. You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a dash of hot sauce, or even a handful of chopped onions or peppers.
I once accidentally used apple jelly instead of grape jelly, and they actually turned out amazing! The apple jelly gave them a slightly different flavor profile that was surprisingly delicious. Now I sometimes use apple jelly on purpose! I also once tried adding a can of diced tomatoes to the sauce, and it made it a bit too watery. So I definitely recommend sticking to the original recipe, unless you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover crockpot meatballs (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the meatballs at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. If you’re planning to store the meatballs, you may want to add a little extra tomato sauce or water to the sauce before storing to keep it from getting too thick.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating in the microwave, heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, simmer them in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. If reheating in the oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
I’ve found that the best way to reheat them is on the stovetop, as it allows the sauce to thicken up nicely. I also like to add a little extra Worcestershire sauce when reheating to give them a little extra zing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the best crockpot meatballs! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. They’re truly a lifesaver on busy nights, and I guarantee your family will love them just as much as mine does! If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see photos of yours! Please feel free to share your comments, your personal variations, and how much you and your loved ones enjoyed this dish! I tried this recipe and it disappeared in a blink of an eye. Happy cooking!
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Best Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 85% lean
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil for browning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well.
- Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then transfer to crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
