SlowCooked Italian Meatballs Recipe Taste of Home from www.tasteofhome.com
Introduction
Slow cooker recipes are perfect for those who don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. One of the best recipes for slow cookers is meatballs. Meatballs are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can make them with beef, pork, turkey, or a combination of meats. In this article, we will share a delicious slow cooker recipe for meatballs that you can make at home.
Ingredients
To make these slow cooker meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar (24 ounces) of your favorite pasta sauce
Instructions
Follow these steps to make slow cooker meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Pour the pasta sauce over the meatballs.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
When the meatballs are cooked through, serve them over pasta or with crusty bread.
Nutrition
This slow cooker meatball recipe is a great source of protein and nutrients. Here is the nutritional information for one serving (makes approximately 12 servings):
Calories: 269
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 96mg
Sodium: 531mg
Total carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 23g
Tips for Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs
If you want to make the perfect slow cooker meatballs, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use the Right Meat
The type of meat you use will affect the texture and flavor of your meatballs. A combination of ground beef and pork is a good choice. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Add Flavorful Ingredients
To make your meatballs more flavorful, add ingredients like garlic, onion, herbs, and spices. Parmesan cheese is also a great addition.
Don't Overmix the Meat
When you mix the meat, be careful not to overdo it. Overmixing can make the meat tough and dry.
Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should reach 160°F.
Cook on Low Heat
Cooking the meatballs on low heat for a longer period of time will make them more tender and flavorful.
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavor of your slow cooker meatballs, here are some variations to try:
Barbecue Meatballs
Instead of using pasta sauce, use barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also add chopped onions and green peppers.
Swedish Meatballs
For a Scandinavian twist, make your meatballs with ground pork and add nutmeg and allspice to the mixture. Serve with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
Italian Meatballs
For a classic Italian flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and pork and add oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the mix. Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti.
Conclusion
Slow cooker meatballs are a delicious and easy meal that you can make at home. You can customize them to suit your taste and they are a great source of protein and nutrients. Follow the tips in this article to make the perfect slow cooker meatballs and try out some of the variations to switch up the flavor.