Every day is a good day for meatballs – especially when your slow cooker does all the hard work!
Some meals become classics and some meals are just created that way. This crock-pot meatball recipe is one of those instant classics for me – a real winner in the kitchen. The kind of dish that has my friends asking for it by name, time and time again. I love the simplicity of this recipe and how little effort it takes to cook. That’s the beauty of the crock-pot, you can just add all of your amazing ingredients, then set it and forget it. No need to worry about stirring, mixing or having to keep an eye on a hot pot. The crock-pot does it all!
Personally, I really enjoy this crock-pot meatball recipe, it is super easy to make and is incredibly delicious. The sauce comes out rich, thick and loaded with flavor, while the meatballs are moist, tender and succulent too.
‘The Crock-Pot’ – that world-famous name.
Slow cookers have been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s when it was branded “The Crock-Pot” that its popularity really took off. This crock-pot technology revolutionized the way the average household could make dinner. Finally, there was a cooking method that allowed you to combine your ingredients at the beginning and then just walk away – leaving this new invention to work its magic.
Since the creation of the slow cooker there have been countless recipes created. These crock-pot meatballs are just another amazing dish in a long line of incredible slow cooker recipes. Others include this Slow Cooker Jambalaya or this Slow Cooker Brisket. Italian food even comes out fantastic in the slow cooker too, take this Crockpot Baked Ziti for instance, it is a true one pot wonder.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Crock-Pot Meatballs
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them in the crock-pot.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crock-pot.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
The beauty of the slow cooker is that it is also a food warmer. So after you cook your delicious crock-pot meatballs, you can simply leave them in the crock-pot on the warm setting and enjoy them at your leisure. When you would like to save the leftovers, I cool the meatballs down in the sauce, this will keep the meatballs moist and tender. Once your meatballs have cooled down completely, place them and the sauce in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.
How Can I Reheat My Leftover Meatballs?
Reheating is easy, place your meatballs and sauce in a shallow sauté pan and heat over medium low heat while stirring occasionally. Alternatively, since they are fully cooked you can eat them cold, my dad loves cold meatball and meatloaf sandwiches.
Cooking Tips
When rolling your meatballs it helps to wet your hands first, this will keep the meat from sticking to your fingers. Once you have all of your meatballs rolled, place them on a plate in the fridge for about fifteen minutes. This will ensure the meatballs stay together when cooking and will make them less fragile.
Serving Suggestions
Crock-pot meatballs are wonderful by themselves in a little bowl with sauce and make the perfect appetizer or potluck item. To take things a little further, top off your crock-pot meatballs with a dusting of shaved Parmesan cheese and a little fresh basil.
If you’re looking to make a meal out of them, there are a number of items you can combine them with to really round out your dinner. You can add them to spaghetti, make them into a sandwich, have them with a side of rice and veggies or even combine them with a giant side of make ahead mashed potatoes and gravy.
Crock-Pot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them in the crock-pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
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