Looking for an easy dinner that everyone in the family will love? These Slow Cooker Meatballs are just the ticket! Made with a blend of savory flavors, these tender meatballs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Plus, they’re slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring juicy, flavorful meatballs every time.
This simple dinner is a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Just mix your ingredients, roll the meatballs, and let your slow cooker do the magic. Whether served over pasta with marinara sauce or as appetizer meatballs at your next party, they’re guaranteed to please your guests and family alike.
Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
There’s something truly special about a plate of savory slow cooker meatballs. These homemade meatballs, slow-cooked to tender perfection, create an inviting meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Simmered in rich marinara sauce, they embody the comfort food spirit, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs ensures each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Not only are these meatballs a crowd-pleaser, but they also represent the heart of Italian cuisine. This one-pot meal is ideal for meal prep, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and delicious.
Crafting the Perfect Meatballs
Creating juicy meatballs might seem daunting, but it’s easier than it appears. Start by combining ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. This blend of ingredients forms the foundation of your savory meatballs.
Once mixed, roll the mixture into uniform balls, ensuring they are compact to hold their shape during cooking. The slow cooker will work its magic, melding the flavors and resulting in tender, slow-cooked meatballs that everyone will love.
The Role of Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is not just an accompaniment; it transforms the dish into a comforting experience. Pouring half of the sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker ensures the meatballs soak up that rich flavor throughout the cooking process.
Then, top the meatballs with the rest of the sauce, allowing them to simmer gently. This method guarantees that each meatball is enveloped in the delicious tomato sauce, enhancing its taste and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. Plating the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti creates a classic Italian meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
For a twist, these meatballs can also shine in a sub sandwich or be served as appetizer meatballs with toothpicks, perfect for gatherings. Garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese not only enhances the visual appeal but adds an extra burst of flavor.
Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these slow cooker meatballs cater to all occasions. With minimal effort required, this easy dinner option allows more time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Incorporating a side of garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, making it a delightful meal that brings everyone together. Perfect for the colder months, these warming meals can easily become a family favorite.
Nutritional Benefits
Besides being delicious, these meatballs are packed with protein, making them a nutritious choice for any meal. With each serving providing a substantial amount of protein and a balance of carbohydrates, they fit well into a healthy diet.
This dish also allows for variations; you can easily adjust the ingredients to make them more suitable for different dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy them.
Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
These homemade meatballs are packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and slow-cooked to tender perfection. Simmered in a rich marinara sauce, they’re a cozy comfort food that brings warmth and love to your table. This recipe is ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the meatballs on top and pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with toothpicks as appetizer meatballs.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes on low or 3 hours 15 minutes on high
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
