When it comes to comfort food that's both simple and delicious, meatballs prepared in a slow cooker are hard to beat. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a weeknight dinner solution, or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, these crockpot meatball recipes are designed to cater to your needs. Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and meld together beautifully, offering dishes that are rich, deep, and utterly delightful. Here are five savory meatball recipes you'll want to add to your culinary repertoire.
BBQ Meatballs
Start with a classic BBQ meatball recipe that’s perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in. Here’s what you’ll need:
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄2 cup grape jelly
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl. Form small meatballs and set aside.
Combine the Sauce: In a slow cooker, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and grape jelly until smooth.
Cook: Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serve: Serve these BBQ meatballs over rice, with mashed potatoes, or simply with toothpicks as an appetizer.
🍴 Note: Grape jelly in the sauce might sound unusual, but it gives the sauce a unique sweet and tangy flavor that complements the rich BBQ taste.
Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a culinary delight, known for their delicate flavor and creamy sauce. Here’s how to make them:
Meatballs:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients and shape into meatballs.
Cook: Brown the meatballs in a skillet. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add flour, and cook until golden. Slowly add beef broth, cream, and soy sauce, whisking until smooth. Pour this sauce over the meatballs.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Serve: Serve with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce and enjoy!
Italian Meatball Sub
Transform traditional Italian meatballs into a sandwich that’s a meal in itself:
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Sandwich Fixings:
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Hoagie rolls
- Sliced mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: Mix all meatball ingredients, shape, and place them in the slow cooker.
Cook: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Assemble: Cut open the hoagie rolls, place a few meatballs in each roll, top with sauce, mozzarella, and broil until cheese melts.
Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves before serving.
🥖 Note: If you prefer a quicker option, you can pre-brown the meatballs in the oven before adding them to the slow cooker.
Asian-Inspired Meatballs
For something a bit different, try these Asian-inspired meatballs:
Meatballs:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds ground pork
- 1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sauce:
- 1⁄2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: Combine all ingredients, form meatballs, and brown them.
Combine the Sauce: Mix the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the meatballs.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Thicken: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture before serving.
Serve: Serve over steamed rice with steamed vegetables.
Chocolate Meatballs (For Dessert)
Yes, you read that right! End your meal on a sweet note with these unique dessert meatballs:
Meatballs:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
- 1⁄2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
Mix: Combine ricotta, powdered sugar, melted chocolate, and vanilla until smooth.
Chill: Refrigerate the mixture until firm enough to handle.
Form: Roll into small balls and coat in cocoa powder.
Serve: Chill further or serve immediately with a scoop of ice cream.
🍫 Note: These chocolate meatballs are an excellent party surprise, offering a sweet twist on the traditional meatball.
In this exploration of crockpot meatball recipes, we’ve touched upon classics like BBQ and Swedish meatballs, and ventured into innovative territories with Asian-inspired and dessert meatballs. Each recipe leverages the convenience and depth of flavor that slow cooking offers, ensuring that you can prepare something delicious with minimal effort. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a novel dish to impress, these meatball recipes are bound to become favorites in your kitchen. Enjoy the effortless richness and enjoy the results of your slow cooker culinary adventures.
Can I use frozen meatballs for these recipes?
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Yes, you can certainly use frozen meatballs for most of these recipes. However, ensure they are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.
How do I store leftover meatballs?
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Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make these meatballs without a slow cooker?
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Absolutely! While the slow cooker helps with flavor infusion, you can prepare these recipes on the stovetop or bake them in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
