My grandmother, an incredible cook and the soul of our family gatherings, often used to say that food is the glue that binds us together. One of my fondest memories with her was preparing these very meatballs for a Sunday family meal. As the scent wafted through our house, it would instantly draw my cousins, aunts, and uncles into the kitchen, eager for a taste. To this day, I make these crockpot meatballs during family gatherings and they always evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Recently, I invited some neighbors over for dinner. Looking to recreate that family atmosphere, I decided to prepare these slow-cooked meatballs. As the hours passed and the enticing aroma filled my home, my neighbors couldn’t stop talking about it. When they finally got to taste them, the meatballs were a huge hit! Now, I’m delighted to share this beloved recipe with all of you.
How to Prepare Easy Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 1/4 cups of breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning
- 1 medium-sized golden onion, finely diced
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley leaves
- 1 well-beaten egg
- 1 jar (28 ounces) of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (16 ounces) of crushed ripe tomatoes
- 1 can (14 1/4 ounces) of rich tomato puree
Directions for Easy Crockpot Meatballs
- Assemble all the ingredients on your kitchen counter.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, diced onion, pressed garlic, parsley, and the beaten egg. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and then fashion into approximately 16 round meatballs.
- Take your slow cooker and pour in the spaghetti sauce, followed by the crushed tomatoes. Swirl in the tomato puree and ensure everything is well mixed.
- Gently nestle the formed meatballs into the rich sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
- Secure the lid of the slow cooker and set it on the Low setting. Allow the meatballs to simmer and soak up the flavors for about 6 to 8 hours.
- Once done, serve warm with your choice of pasta and enjoy the bliss of a meal well-made!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for those looking for a leaner option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times as turkey might cook a tad faster than beef.
What type of pasta pairs best with these meatballs?
Spaghetti noodles are a classic choice, but you can also serve it with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta of your preference. The rich sauce and meatballs complement nearly any pasta shape.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warm before serving.
Can I add some vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are all excellent additions. Simply chop them up and add them to the sauce mixture for an added layer of flavor and texture.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter duration?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on the High setting for 3 to 4 hours. However, cooking on Low allows the flavors to meld more deeply.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
While it’s not a strict requirement, browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them can give them a richer flavor and a firmer texture. But if you’re looking for a quicker preparation, you can skip this step.
Easy Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 28 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14 1/4 ounce can tomato puree
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Place ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, and egg in a large bowl; mix well until evenly combined, then shape into 16 meatballs.
- Pour spaghetti sauce and crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker; stir in tomato purée. Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
