These simple, savory Crock-Pot Meatballs take just 15 minutes to prep and will fill your home with the aroma of a traditional Italian eatery.
The smell of homecooked meatballs and sauce immediately takes me back to my Grammy’s house on Christmas morning. She would wake up at 5:00 am to start cooking, and we were all so grateful that she did. After years of perfecting, I have achieved the exact flavor of Grammy’s marinara sauce and juicy meatballs. However, getting the house to fill with that unforgettable aroma takes time. Am I supposed to wake up at 5:00 am every time I cook meatballs? Should I tell my kids and job that I will be in the kitchen all day if they need me? No need. With these perfect Crock-Pot meatballs, you will attain that homecooked “labored over a hot stove all day” aroma and flavor.
Since the invention of the Crock-Pot, about 80 years ago, home cooks have had the convenience of making slow-cooked, one-pot meals without being stuck in the kitchen. The Crock-Pot will have dinner ready when you get home, without overheating the kitchen in the summer and creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the colder months. What a great invention. Especially when it comes to these Crock-Pot meatballs.
While I admire and am fascinated with the likes of Crock-Pot Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies and such, I appreciate traditional meals in the Crock-Pot like old-fashioned Chicken Soup and flavorful Slow-Cooker Chili. These Crock-Pot meatballs are just that: traditional. With a delicious mix of beef, Italian breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic soaked in a smooth marinara sauce with a hint of tanginess and oregano, it is everything you could want in an Italian meal.
Are Crock-Pot Meatballs Healthy?
Crock-Pot meatballs are more than just delicious, they are pretty healthy but should be enjoyed sparingly. The beef is high in protein, zinc, and iron, while the garlic and parsley are rich in antioxidants. Whether you make it from scratch or purchase it, choose a marinara sauce low in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. To make Crock-Pot meatballs keto-friendly and gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or Parmesan cheese.
How does a crock-pot cook meatballs so perfectly?
As I mentioned, if I attempted to achieve perfectly cooked meatballs, I would have to stay in the kitchen all day. This is because a pot on the stovetop gets super hot on the bottom, and stirring often will prevent the sauce or meatballs from burning. But a Crock-Pot gets hot all around and keeps a pretty consistent temperature. Also, allowing the meatballs to cook in the sauce for hours in your Crock-Pot ensures perfectly moist meatballs and super flavorful sauce.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Crock-Pot meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop until warmed through, or in the Crock-Pot for 45 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
As tradition is the theme, serve these yummy Crock-Pot meatballs over pasta, but elevate it! Try Mushroom Pasta or this colorful Ratatouille Pasta. To keep it a lighter meal, serve your Crock-Pot meatballs with a leafy green salad topped with zesty Italian Dressing.
For these tasty meatballs as an appetizer, serve with mini forks or toothpicks next to an array of Italian-inspired finger foods. The Best Margherita Pizza or five-ingredient Pizza Bites will be a perfect match.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. 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 bottom of the Crock-Pot in a single layer.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, covering them evenly.
- Set the Crock-Pot to low and cook for 4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment