Grandmas Easy Crockpot Meatballs the Ultimate Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving a big plate of comfort food? Like, seriously NEEDING it? My Grandma's meatballs recipe crockpot has been my go-to for ages.

It's total bliss and super easy. Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl.

Quick Hook

This easy crockpot meatball recipe will give you the best of Italian flavors with minimal effort. These meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They are simply irresistible.

Brief Overview

These slow cooker Italian meatballs have roots in Italian American cooking, perfect for Sunday suppers. This recipe is beginner friendly and takes about 4- 6 hours on low.

It yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a chill get-together.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? This recipe is packed with protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner or when you need a crowd pleasing dish.

What makes it special is the depth of flavor from the slow cooking and the comforting, home cooked feel. Now, let's get to the ingredients! You will learn how to cook delicious Crockpot meatball sub recipe .

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 medium finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

You can easily find slow cooker meatballs frozen in supermarkets!

step-by-step Instructions (Outline)

1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: Gently mix all meatball ingredients.
2. Roll Meatballs: Roll into 1 inch balls.
3. Brown Meatballs (Optional): Brown the meatballs in olive oil for extra flavor. Don’t skip if you have time!
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, combine all sauce ingredients.
5. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Place meatballs in the sauce.
6. Cook: Cook on low for 4- 6 hours. Or on high for 2- 3 hours.
7. Serve: Remove bay leaf. Serve and enjoy crockpot meatballs with pasta .

This Best crockpot meatballs recipe will be your next favorite! I promise, even your pickiest eaters will be begging for seconds.

So go ahead, give it a try. You won't regret it! You can even serve them as a Crockpot meatballs appetizer .

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing meatballs recipe crockpot . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff.

Don’t worry, you probably have most of it already. Grandma's meatballs recipe slow cooker is all about simple ingredients!

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list, with all the measurements you'll need.

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend is king for flavour, trust me!)
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (adds a richness that beef alone just can't give)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) plain breadcrumbs (or Panko for that extra bit of crunch)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please!)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, but browning is always better)

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes (go for good quality here)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity perfectly)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out before serving!)

Quality really matters with ground beef and tomatoes. Splurge a little, you will taste the difference.

Seasoning Notes

Forget bland! These are Italian meatballs! Italian seasoning is your base. Don’t skimp! A little sugar in the sauce cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes.

It's like magic. No Italian seasoning? Oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme will work in a pinch. Best crockpot meatballs start with good seasoning.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy equipment for this meatballs recipe crockpot .

• A large mixing bowl (for the meatball mix)
• Your trusty crockpot (at least 4-quart is ideal)
• A skillet (if you’re browning the meatballs highly recommended!)

Don’t have a skillet? A large pan will do. Easy crockpot meatball recipe, easy equipment!

Honestly, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting here. Just throw it all in and let it simmer! Easy peasy! Crockpot meatballs with pasta are a classic, so you need a good slow cooker! Here's the tip! Don't be afraid to taste and adjust.

You know? It's all about what you like.

Grandma's Easy Meatballs Recipe Crockpot: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Okay, so let's talk about meatballs recipe crockpot . We're making Grandma's Easy Meatballs Recipe Slow Cooker , but honestly, it's so simple even I can't mess it up.

And you know I've had my moments in the kitchen! Forget those bland, store-bought things. We are creating juicy, flavour packed slow cooker Italian meatballs !

Prep Steps: Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

Essential Mise en Place: Before we get rolling (literally!), gather your troops. Get 1 lb (450g) ground beef , 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork , breadcrumbs, cheese, the whole shebang.

Having everything ready means less stress.

Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to pre-chop my onion the night before. Honestly, anything to avoid crying over onions at 6 PM, right? Also, measure out all your spices into a small bowl beforehand.

Safety Reminders: Ground meat can be a sneaky devil with bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling it. No one wants a tummy ache!

step-by-step Process: Making Magic Happen

1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: Gently combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Remember, just until it's combined .
2. Roll Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs. My grandma always wet her hands a little to stop the mixture from sticking.
3. Brown Meatballs (Optional): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This is optional, but trust me, it's worth the effort. It adds this amazing depth of flavor.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. The bay leaf adds a little je ne sais quoi .
5. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged. Treat 'em gently!
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or on high for 2- 3 hours . Honestly, I usually go for low and slow. It just makes them so tender.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the meatballs and sauce crockpot over pasta, on subs... whatever floats your boat!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Meatball Game

Expert Techniques: Browning the meatballs really makes a difference. It gives them a lovely crust and intensifies the flavour. Common Mistakes: Overmixing the meatball mixture is a cardinal sin! It'll make them tough.

make-ahead Options: You can totally make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just thaw them overnight before adding them to the sauce.

So, there you have it. My fail proof easy crockpot meatball recipe ! It's perfect for a crockpot meatball sub recipe . Now go get your slow cooker on! You won't regret it.

Recipe Notes

So, you're about to embark on the journey of making my Grandma's Easy Crockpot Meatballs ! I hope you love this meatballs recipe crockpot as much as I do.

This ain't just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl, you know? Anyway, let's dive into some extra tips to make your life easier.

Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Good!

Presentation is key! Honestly, I love serving these on a big platter with pasta. You know, sprinkle some fresh basil and Parmesan? Chef's kiss .

For sides, try a simple garlic bread. A fresh salad is an awesome balance. Or you could make the best crockpot meatball sub recipe ever! Seriously, the possibilities are endless.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These slow cooker Italian meatballs are even better the next day. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Want to freeze them? No problem! Just let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll last for about 2-3 months.

To reheat, just thaw them out and simmer in a pan or, heck, even the crockpot.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Honestly, this recipe is super flexible. Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Boom! Want to cut back on carbs? Serve them over zucchini noodles.

Or try ground turkey to cut some fat! It's totally up to you. Feel like Grandma's meatballs recipe slow cooker doesn't fit your diet? No problem!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff!

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. These meatballs are packed with protein, thanks to the beef and pork.

The tomato sauce gives you a dose of vitamin C. Just remember, it's an estimate and depends on your ingredient brands.

Okay, seriously, that's it. I think you'll nail it! This easy crockpot meatball recipe will be your new go-to. Don't be scared to experiment.

Cook with love and have fun!. You can even use slow cooker meatballs frozen for a quick meal. So, go on and get cooking with the best crockpot meatballs ever!