Meatballs are a beloved dish across many cultures. They're tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. But what if we told you that one of the best ways to make them is by using a slow cooker? Imagine tender meatballs slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infusing each bite with deep, savory flavors.
This slow cooker meatballs recipe is the perfect solution for busy days when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a delicious dish ready to be served.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Cooking: One of the major benefits of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. With this meatball recipe, there's no need for constant monitoring or frequent stirring. Simply combine your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen. As the meatballs cook slowly, they soak up the tomato sauce, resulting in a moist and flavorful outcome every time. This method is perfect for those who are not too confident with their cooking skills or simply want a fuss-free cooking experience.
Depth of Flavor: Slow cooking has a unique ability to meld flavors in a way that other cooking methods can't. As the meatballs simmer for hours in the tomato sauce, they not only become tender but also absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. The prolonged cooking time allows the herbs and spices to release their essence fully, creating a harmonious blend of taste in every bite. This deep integration of flavors means each meatball is not just coated in sauce but is thoroughly infused with it, making the dish exceptionally delectable. If you're looking for a meatball recipe that's flavorful and aromatic, this is the one to try.
Ingredients
Ground Meat: This forms the base of the meatball. Beef is most commonly used, but you can also use pork, chicken, or turkey. Substitute with a combination of beef and pork for richer flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. Substitute with panko crumbs or crushed crackers if unavailable.
Eggs: Act as a binder for the meatballs. In a pinch, you can substitute with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or plain yogurt.
Tomato Sauce: Provides the flavorful base for the cooking liquid. If you don't have store-bought tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes can be used.
Parmesan Cheese:Adds flavor to the meatballs. Substitute with Pecorino Romano or a touch of Asiago if needed.
Tips
- To prevent the meatballs from being too dense, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out the meat.
- Before shaping the entire batch, cook a small test meatball to check seasoning.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of broth or water.
- For tender meatballs, avoid cooking on high heat for extended periods.
How to Serve
Meatballs in tomato sauce are versatile and can complement various dishes. Serving them over freshly cooked pasta makes for a classic, hearty meal. For those looking for lighter options, consider placing the meatballs atop zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash. As an alternative, sandwich the meatballs between crusty bread with melted cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
- Over spaghetti or linguine garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.
- On a sub roll with melted provolone or mozzarella for a meatball sandwich.
- As a standalone appetizer with crusty bread on the side.
Similar Recipes
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients
- 500 g ground meat beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, half of the parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and set aside.
- In the slow cooker, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and broth (if using) to the slow cooker and stir.
- Gently place meatballs into the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
- To prevent the meatballs from being too dense, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out the meat.
- Before shaping the entire batch, cook a small test meatball to check seasoning.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of broth or water.
- For tender meatballs, avoid cooking on high heat for extended periods.