Deliciously Juicy Meatballs Cooked to Perfection in a Slow Cooker
Meatballs are a classic comfort food that are loved by people of all ages. Whether you enjoy them on top of spaghetti or in a hearty meatball sandwich, there’s no denying their deliciousness. While traditionally cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, cooking meatballs in a slow cooker can result in irresistibly tender and juicy meatballs that are bursting with flavor. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing mouthwatering meatballs in a slow cooker.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Scoop about a tablespoon-sized portion of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used, arranging the meatballs on a plate or cutting board.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Pour the marinara sauce into the slow cooker, ensuring that the bottom is evenly coated. Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are fully submerged. If necessary, spoon some sauce over the top of the meatballs.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the meatballs cook for 4-6 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring that the meatballs remain tender and juicy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Serve them hot over pasta, on a bed of steaming rice, or stuffed inside a delicious sub roll. Don’t forget to spoon some of the rich marinara sauce over the meatballs for an extra burst of flavor.
Now that you know how to cook meatballs in a slow cooker, you can easily whip up a batch for your next family dinner or gathering. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors develop beautifully, resulting in tender meatballs that will have everyone asking for second helpings. So grab your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering goodness of slow-cooked meatballs!
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