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2. Roll the Meatballs
Once your meatball mixture is ready, roll it into two large meatballs. Depending on how large you want them, you can make them roughly the size of a grapefruit. The larger the meatball, the longer it may take to cook, so keep that in mind. Make sure the meatballs are smooth and compact to help them hold their shape while cooking.
3. Add Sauce to the Slow Cooker
Pour your marinara sauce (or any sauce of your choice) into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help keep the meatballs moist and prevent them from drying out during cooking. Make sure the sauce covers the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a nice base for the meatballs.
4. Add the Meatballs
Carefully place your rolled meatballs into the slow cooker, gently nestling them into the sauce. You can spoon a little extra sauce over the top of the meatballs if desired, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Slow Cook the Meatballs
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker will do all the work, tenderizing the meatballs and allowing them to soak up the delicious sauce. Check halfway through cooking to make sure the meatballs are cooking evenly, and feel free to spoon some sauce over them to keep them moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, they’ll be tender and flavorful. Serve them with a generous portion of sauce on top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. You can enjoy them on a bed of pasta, in a sandwich with melted cheese, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs
- Mix Up the Meat: For a more flavorful meatball, try using a mix of beef and pork. Pork adds richness and moisture, making the meatballs extra tender.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in dense meatballs. Mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients, and handle the mixture gently when forming the meatballs.
- Size Matters: If you prefer smaller meatballs, you can make them the size of a golf ball or smaller. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: While this recipe doesn’t require frying, if you have the time, you can sear the meatballs in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This adds extra depth of flavor and a nice golden crust.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you make a larger batch, meatballs freeze well for later use. Simply cook them fully in the slow cooker, let them cool, and freeze them in a sealed container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Conclusion
Making meatballs in the slow cooker is an absolute game-changer. By rolling just two large meatballs and letting them cook low and slow, you’ll end up with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly tender. It’s a foolproof recipe that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or gatherings, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delicious results that come from the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a hearty meal, these slow-cooked meatballs are sure to impress.
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