Sunday Gravy Meatballs Slow Cooker Comfort

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that meatball dinner that tastes like Grandma made it? This meatballs slow cook recipe delivers. It's the ultimate comfort food, a flavour explosion in every bite.

Brief Overview

This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian American Sunday gravy recipe slow cooker , a dish meant for sharing with loved ones.

It's an easy weeknight meatball dinner option. Plus, it's perfect for busy bees. It will take you only 20 minutes to prep.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

Slow cooking helps create incredibly tender meatballs, infused with rich, savoury flavours. It is packed with protein. Serve for family gatherings.

Or even potlucks! What makes this so special? It's the perfect blend of simplicity and flavour.

A Slow Cooker Meatball Symphony

Making slow cooker Italian meatballs used to intimidate me. I thought it was some culinary black magic. Honestly, my first attempt was a total disaster! The sauce was watery.

The meatballs were bland. But now, I've nailed it. Trust me, this best slow cooker meatball recipe is a winner.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. We're talking about quality ground beef and pork. I recommend an 80/20 blend for that juicy texture.

Don't skimp on the Parmesan cheese. It adds such a great depth of flavour. And a good dose of Italian herbs? Absolutely essential! These meatballs are the perfect canvas for a bit of creativity.

From Crock Pot To Comfort: Getting Started

My mum used to make Crock pot meatballs and sauce every Sunday. The aroma filled the house, you know? This recipe is my tribute to her.

This classic Italian meatballs slow cooker version brings back all those warm memories. This recipe is perfect in a slow cooker meatball subs version!

So, grab your apron, crank up some music, and let's get cooking! With a little patience and these simple steps, you'll be serving up a batch of honey garlic meatballs that will have everyone begging for more.

Get ready for meatball heaven!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this meatballs slow cook recipe ? Fantastic! First, we gotta gather our troops, and by troops, I mean the ingredients and gear.

Don't worry, it's not rocket science. I promise! Plus, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight, but feels like a proper meatball dinner .

The A-Team: Our Main Players

Here's what you'll need, measured precisely, to avoid any kitchen dramas.

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Go for an 80/20 blend . Trust me, the extra fat is where the flavor lives. Seriously. Lean beef will result in dry meatballs, and nobody wants sad, dry meatballs.
• Ground Pork: ½ lb (225g) . This adds richness and that "mmm, what is that?" kind of flavour.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) . These are key for keeping the Honey Garlic Meatballs light and tender.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. The real stuff, please. Pre-shredded often has cellulose and doesn't melt the same. Plus, more for serving because, why not?
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. Adds a pop of freshness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. Holds everything together.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . Because it's Italian.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . Seasoning is everything .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is best!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , for searing. Searing is important it's what makes them have that tasty crust.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. This forms the flavour base of your delicious Sunday gravy recipe slow cooker .
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (800g) . Look for good quality. It makes a difference.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can (425g) .
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 oz) can (170g) .
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Adds depth.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: 1 teaspoon each .
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
• Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon & ¼ teaspoon .
• Optional: Sugar & Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon each .

Spice It Up! Flavour Town, Population: You!

Okay, so we've got the basics. But let's talk about the magic. The Italian seasoning, oregano, and basil are non-negotiable.

A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you like a kick, red pepper flakes are your friend.

This is how you'll create amazing classic Italian meatballs slow cooker style!

Essential Tools: Keeping it Simple

You don’t need to be Julia Child to make this work.

• Large Bowl: For mixing the meatball mixture.
• Slow Cooker (at least 6-quart): The star of the show.
• Large Skillet: For searing those beauties.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Because eyeballing doesn't always work.
• Spatula: To gently fold everything together.

Honestly, that's it. No fancy gadgets required. If you don't have a skillet, a large pot will do in a pinch.

And if you need easy weeknight meatball dinner then just use what you have! Now, let's get cooking and make some fantastic crock pot meatballs and sauce !

The Easiest Meatballs Slow Cook Recipe EVER: Sunday Gravy Edition

Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you. We are making what I think it the best slow cooker meatball recipe this side of the Atlantic.

I’m talking about that melt-in-your mouth, comfort food magic. Let's dive into this awesome meatballs slow cook recipe .

Prep Like a Pro: Meatball Mise en Place

Before we get started, let's get our ducks in a row. The essential mise en place is gathering all your ingredients and pre-chopping the onion and garlic.

Got your ground beef and pork? Panko? Parmesan? Crush tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste? Excellent. That's 20 minutes well spent.

Trust me, it makes everything smoother. Time saving organization? Yes, please!

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

1. Mix the meatball magic: Combine ground beef, ground pork, panko, parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Don’t overmix! 15 minutes of resting time is key.
2. Roll 'em: Form into 1 inch balls.
3. Sear for flavour : Brown those meatballs in a skillet with olive oil. This locks in flavor.
4. Sauce time : Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Then, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, bay leaf, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) in the same pan.
5. Crock pot meatballs and sauce: Put the sauce in the slow cooker, then gently nestle the seared meatballs inside.
6. Slow cook, dream big: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
7. Check for doneness: Meatballs are done when they are tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve and bask in glory : Serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread. Hello meatball dinner !

Pro Tips for Killer Meatballs

My Nonna taught me that the secret to tender meatballs is not overmixing. Also, searing adds a flavour depth you just can’t skip.

It's not even easy weeknight meatball dinner if you skip this. Another tip? If your sauce is too thin, remove the meatballs and simmer it uncovered for a bit to thicken.

Trust me, it works.

And remember: this Classic Italian meatballs slow cooker recipe is super versatile. It’s basically Sunday gravy recipe slow cooker style, but you can also throw these bad boys in a slow cooker meatball subs and have a super nice time.

And try adding a teaspoon of honey for Honey Garlic Meatballs . Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.

Recipe Notes for Perfect Meatballs

Alright, let's dive into some extra tips for this meatballs slow cook recipe . I learned these the hard way, trust me! These meatball recipes easy are about to get even easier.

Serving the Magic: Plating and More

Presentation is key, even if it's just for you! I like serving these classic Italian meatballs slow cooker over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top. A side of garlic bread? Don't even get me started. You can also use the meatballs for slow cooker meatball subs for a fun lunch or dinner.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Storage Superpowers: Keeping the Goodness Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These honey garlic meatballs are even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze them. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheat them gently in the microwave or back in the slow cooker. No one will know you didn't make them fresh!

Remixing the Melody: Tasty Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This slow cooker Italian meatballs recipe is super adaptable.

Nutrition Nuggets: A Little Health Boost

Let's keep it real, this isn't exactly health food. But, it does pack a protein punch. A serving of these meatballs has around 30-35 grams of protein.

The tomato sauce also provides some vitamins. Just be mindful of the sodium content. It's all about balance, you know? This meatball dinner can be both tasty and reasonable.

This recipe for crock pot meatballs and sauce is an easy weeknight meatball dinner that will bring back the Sunday gravy recipe slow cooker feeling.

It’s the best slow cooker meatball recipe I know, and I hope you find it just as tasty. So, go ahead and give it a shot! Don't be scared to experiment.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs in this meatballs slow cook recipe?

While you can use frozen meatballs in this slow cooker recipe, I wouldn't recommend it for the best results. Freshly made and seared meatballs will have a much better texture and flavour.

However, if you are in a pinch, brown the frozen meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to improve the texture and keep them from being mushy.

My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken my slow cooker meatball sauce?

Ah, the age-old question! There are a few ways to tackle a thin sauce. First, remove the meatballs, turn the slow cooker to high, and simmer uncovered for 30-60 minutes until reduced.

For a faster fix, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking. It's like a magic trick, innit?

How long can I store leftover slow cooked meatballs?

Leftover meatballs are a real treat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw them completely before reheating.

Can I make this meatballs slow cook recipe with ground turkey instead of beef and pork?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatball. Just be mindful that turkey can be drier than beef and pork. To combat this, consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meatball mixture and be sure not to overcook them.

Is it really necessary to sear the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker?

While it's tempting to skip the searing step, trust me, it's worth the extra few minutes. Searing adds a lovely depth of flavour and helps the meatballs hold their shape during the long cooking process. It's like building a flavour foundation for your Sunday Gravy Meatballs!

What kind of pasta goes best with these slow cooked meatballs?

Honestly, anything goes! But for a classic experience, I recommend spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will grab onto that rich sauce. And don't forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese it's the bee's knees!