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Roll two large meatballs in a slow cooker and enjoy an appetizing dinner

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef (or the meat of your choice) with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, as it can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into two large meatballs. These should be big enough to make a hearty meal, but not so large that they won’t cook evenly. You can make them slightly larger than the size of a golf ball, but try to keep them uniform so they cook at the same rate.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
If you have the time and prefer a little extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Simply heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a bit of extra color and caramelization to the meatballs, but it’s completely optional.

Step 4: Add to the Slow Cooker
Place the meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly covered. If you’d like, you can add a bit more seasoning to the sauce, such as Italian herbs, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Meatballs
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will soak up the sauce as they cook, becoming tender and juicy. The longer they cook, the more flavor they’ll absorb.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy them however you like:

  • With Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs meal.
  • On a Sub Roll: Place them in a toasted sub roll with extra marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad and some crusty bread for a light and hearty dinner.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs:

  1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, avoid overmixing the meat. This can result in dense, tough meatballs. A gentle hand will ensure a tender texture.
  2. Use Lean Meat: If you’re using ground beef, opt for a leaner cut (like 90% lean) to keep the meatballs juicy and not overly greasy.
  3. Season Well: Season your meatballs and sauce well. The slow cooker enhances flavors, but they need to be balanced to ensure the final dish is flavorful.
  4. Add Cheese: You can add shredded mozzarella to the meatball mixture or top them with cheese before serving to make them extra indulgent.
  5. Extra Sauces: If you want to kick things up a notch, add a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or a bit of tomato paste to your marinara sauce for more depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Simple and Quick: With only a few minutes of prep work, this recipe is the ultimate easy dinner solution. Pop the meatballs in the slow cooker, let them cook, and you’re good to go.
  • Perfect for Busy Days: If you have a busy day ahead, you can set the slow cooker in the morning and return home to a hot, delicious meal without any hassle.
  • Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Try different meats, sauces, or seasonings to make it your own.
  • Family-Friendly: Meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults, making this meal ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Simple Dinner

This Two Large Meatballs in a Slow Cooker recipe is the perfect example of a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that still delivers on flavor and tenderness. With minimal prep, a few simple ingredients, and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy an appetizing meal that the whole family will love.

Whether you enjoy them with pasta, on a sandwich, or as a standalone dish, these juicy meatballs will become a go-to recipe for busy nights or whenever you’re craving something comforting. Roll up your meatballs, let the slow cooker do the work, and get ready for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!

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