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Easy Tender Crockpot Meatballs Recipe for Perfect Comfort Meals

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This easy tender crockpot meatballs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs with minimal effort, perfect for busy days and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups (700ml) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 ½ inches (4 cm) in diameter, yielding around 18-20 meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a crust but are not cooked through.
  4. In the slow cooker, combine marinara sauce and finely chopped onion. Stir to combine.
  5. Gently nestle the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are tender and cooked through.
  7. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Browning the meatballs before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free diets. Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance flavor seasonally.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy meatballs, comfort food, tender meatballs, simple dinner, family meal

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