What are some good crockpot meatballs If there’s one recipe that has become an absolute weeknight superhero in my house, then it is this one. I swear, the smell alone when these are simmering away in the Slow Cooker is enough to make my whole house smell like it’s melting. Is the kitchen ready yet? ” with those pleading puppy-dog eyes. My sister-in-law shared a version of this with me years ago, and I’ve since shared it with her. It’s funny. I tinkered with it so much that it’s practically a whole new dish, but the core idea – incredibly .. What are some of the best meatballs in a savory sauce? Isn’t it a lifesaver on those nights when the clock is ticking and the last thing I want to do is watch the news.? What is the best way to stand over a hot stove? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food but one that practically makes itself. It’s miles away from those sad, dry meatballs you sometimes get from a mix, and honestly, it’ is even better. How easy is it to make spaghetti and meatballs from scratch? Production sometimes.
What are crockpot meatballs?
What exactly are crockpot meatballs? In the simplest terms, they’re meatballs, cooked low and slow in a Slow Cooker. What is a crockpot? Is the Mona Lisa a painting? What makes this recipe so special is how the slow cooking method transforms humble ground meat into a tender, tender tender meat. incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of deliciousness They cook in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s usually savory and slightly sweet. Is there a way to customize this part? What is the beauty of a crockpot? You don’t have to worry about scorching them or whether they’re cooked through; you just have a few minutes to spare. How does the gentle, even heat work? It’s essentially a set-it-and-forget kind of magic that delivers consistently amazing results. What is the best meal for a busy person without cooking?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make crockpot meatballs? What are the essentials of life? What is the flavor of these meatballs? They come out incredibly juicy and packed with savory goodness from the seasonings in the mix. The luscious sauce they simmer in. I mean, truly, it’s almost embarrassingly easy. Is it safe to toss everything in the crockpot and set the timer? Is it the kind of meal that lets you have a few minutes of peace in the afternoon knowing dinner is good? Plus, it’s super cost-efficient. Is ground meat a good protein to have in your pantry? What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank? What are some good Side Dishes to serve over pasta? I’ve served them as appetizers for parties, piled them into sliders, and even tucked them in subs. What I love about this is that it feels like a gourmet meal without any of the fuss, and it’s delicious. I’m a picky eater and always get rave reviews for my food. Is it a guaranteed win every single time?
How do you make a crockpot meatball?
Quick Overview
How do I make crockpot meatballs? What is the best way to make meatballs? How do you prepare a Slow Cooker sauce? What is comfort food magic? Pop the lid on, set it for a few hours, and come back to pure comfort. What is the secret weapon in this meatball recipe? What are some of the best sauces to try? Is it a hands-off approach that delivers incredible results, proving that you don’t need hours to do anything? What are some of the best chefs in the kitchen for a spectacular meal?
Ingredients
For the Meatball Mixture:
2 pounds ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for the best flavor and tenderness, but you can use any meat you like). If you prefer to be leaner, why not
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives a nice light texture, but regular work fine too)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
2 tablespoons of milk (any kind works, even almond milk for a creamier result!
What is 1 teaspoon salt?
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1/4 teaspoon salt.
A pinch of dried Italian seasoning (optional, but it adds a nice touch):
For the Sauce:
1 (18 ounce) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (a good quality one makes a big impact!)
1/4 cup grape jelly (this is the secret to that classic sweet and tangy glaze!)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. 1 tablespoon of Worcester
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. 1 tablespoon paprik
For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended for serving):
Extra BBQ Sauce: What is your favorite
What is more grape jelly?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Is there any preheating needed for the cooking part of this recipe since we’re using the same pan as the oven? Make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready to go. If you’re handling meat, you want to give your hands a good wash before you start handling it. This is just good. Kitchen practice.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and pepper. Mix well. Serve warm or cold. What are some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese? Make sure your onion is really finely chopped, almost minced, so you don’t get big chunks of onion. What’s the best way to use You want everything to be evenly distributed. What is the best way to do this?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside. What is the best way to distribute the egg mixture evenly?
Step 4: Combine
What is the wet ingredients (egg and milk mixture) over the dry ingredients? What is the best way to mix everything together? Overmixing meatballs can make them tough. How do you get an even mix without overworking the meat? When you squeeze the mixture, it should hold together.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Set aside. What is the glaze on meatballs? Make sure the jelly is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. I love BBQ sauce because it adds depth of flavor. What are some of the best flavor combinations for BBQ sauce?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Take your meatball mixture and gently roll it into balls. I usually aim for about 1-inch diameter meatballs, but honestly, you can make them any size you want. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round, they will still be delicious. Place rolled meatballs in a slow cooker. Once all the meatballs are in, pour the sauce mixture evenly over them. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs, or just let them sit in the sauce – they’ll mingle and get stuffed. How do you make sure your vegetables are coated as they
Step 7: Bake
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. How long does it take to cook meatballs in a slow cooker? When they’re cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, they are done. What is the best way to check if there is no pink inside? I usually go for the LOW setting because I find it yields the most tender meatballs, but HIGH works.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the meatballs are cooked, you can serve them directly from the slow cooker. If you want them to look extra special, and I often do for gatherings, you can gently remove them. How do you serve meatballs with a slotted spoon? If you want a thicker, glossier glaze, you can turn the slow cooker to HIGH with the lid off for the recipe. What is the last 30 minutes of cooking while you prepare to serve? Or, you can even spoon out some of the liquid into a saucepan, simmer it down and then add some water. How do you add BBQ sauce and jelly to a bowl? This step is totally optional, but it really elevates the presentation!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are the best crockpot meatballs to serve warm? You can serve them straight from the slow cooker, or transfer them to a serving platter and spoon. What is the best sauce to serve over top? What’s your favorite way to garnish parsley? What are some of the best dipping sauces you’ve ever had? Is it hard to resist the tender texture of this apricot?
What should I serve it with?
What is the beauty of crockpot meatballs? For *breakfast*, though it might sound unusual, a couple of these alongside some scrambled eggs and some jam. What are some good ways to start the day with toast? My kids actually love them this way! For *brunch*, they’re fantastic. If you want to keep them warm, you can serve them in a chafing dish, perhaps with some small toothpicks for easy easy. Serve with a fruit salad, mini quiches, and maybe some sparkling mimosa. As *dessert*, well, that’s a bit of ‘a stretch’, but for *cozy snack*? Absolutely! They’re perfect for a casual get-together. What is my favorite way to serve them for a casual snack or appetizer? Is it worth it to serve coleslaw on top? Can you serve these with mashed potatoes, rice or even baked potatoes? Can you go wrong with anything?
How do I make a perfect crockpot meatball?
I’ve learned a few tricks that I think make these crockpot meatballs even better. When it comes to onion, finely dicing it or even grating ensures it blends seamlessly into the onion. Is it possible to add flavor to meat without distracting texture? What is the recipe for meatballs? How do you make tough meatballs? I learned this the hard way after a batch that was too firm. Gently combine, and trust me, they’ll still be perfectly formed. When it comes to the sauce, I always taste and adjust. My BBQ sauce is a little tangier, so I like to add more jelly. I’ve tried it and it’s good. How does vinegar balance it out? Don’t be afraid to play with it! If you want a glossy finish, you can thicken the sauce in the pan. For serving, if you like that beautiful, glossy look, please serve immediately. How do you cook in a slow cooker for 30 minutes? If you can transfer it to a saucepan to reduce, put it back in the refrigerator. I’ve also found that using Panko breadcrumbs in the meatball mix results in a slightly lighter weight. Is this true? What are some good breadcrumbs? I used beef broth instead of milk in my meatballs. Is this a good substitution? What are some of the best savory recipes? What is the magic of slow cooking?
How do I store and reheat water?
These crockpot meatballs are fantastic for making ahead, which is probably why I love them so much. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually tend to meld even more overnight, which is a nice bonus! For freezing, let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop them back into a slow cooker on low heat for an hour or two until warmed through, or reheat them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra sauce or broth if they seem dry. I’ve also reheated them in the microwave, being careful not to overheat them, which can make them a little rubbery. Just pop them in for short intervals until they’re heated through. If you’re planning to freeze them, I usually recommend leaving off any extra glaze until you reheat them, just to maintain the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my go-to recipe for the most tender, flavorful, and fuss-free crockpot meatballs you’ll ever make. This recipe has been a game-changer for my busy weeknights and has become a staple for potlucks and family gatherings. The way the meatballs become so incredibly tender and soak up all that delicious sauce is truly something special. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. If you love these, you might also want to check out my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe, which is another winner for easy weeknight dinners! I really hope you give these crockpot meatballs a try. They’re so forgiving and always turn out perfectly. Please, please let me know how yours turn out in the comments below, and if you have any amazing variations or serving suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Frozen meatballs
- 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 0.25 cup Ranch dressing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce and honey. Pour over meatballs.
- Cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1.5 hours.
- Stir in ranch dressing just before serving.
