# Crockpot Meatballs in Hearty Tomato Sauce
These crockpot meatballs cook slowly in a hearty tomato sauce, turning basic ingredients into a tender, flavor-filled comfort dish with little effort. Ideal for hectic weeknights or gatherings, this recipe is bound to please everyone.
## Flavor Profile
Succulent and moist, these meatballs are imbued with traditional Italian seasonings, simmered in a flavorful, garlicky tomato sauce that adds a cozy element to any meal.
### Recommended Tools
– A small cookie scoop guarantees consistent meatball size for even cooking.
### Serving Suggestions
Present these meatballs atop spaghetti, polenta, or in toasted meatball subs. Serve alongside homemade garlic bread and a classic Caesar salad for a complete dining experience.
## Best Ingredients for Meatballs
– **Ground Beef**: Lean ground beef avoids greasiness. For a more robust option, consider a beef-and-pork mix or replace half with Italian sausage for enhanced flavor. If opting for ground turkey or chicken, add a tablespoon of milk for extra tenderness.
– **Bread Crumbs**: Fine breadcrumbs effectively bind the meatballs. Gluten-free crumbs or crushed crackers can serve as substitutes.
– **Sauce**: Select a marinara or pasta sauce that you love, preferably one enriched with garlic and basil for an authentic Italian flavor.
– **Seasonings**: Add Italian seasoning to the slow cooker to elevate the taste.
– **Variations**: For a more concentrated sauce, mix in a spoonful of tomato paste towards the end of cooking or incorporate a Parmesan rind while simmering, removing it prior to serving.
## How to Cook Meatballs in the Crockpot
1. Mix meatball ingredients and shape into balls (full recipe follows).
2. Arrange meatballs in the crockpot and cover with sauce.
3. Cook until meatballs achieve an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce is bubbling.
### Tips for Cooking
– Combine ingredients gently to preserve tenderness.
– Keep the lid on to ensure even cooking.
– An instant-read thermometer can verify doneness.
– To prep in advance, freeze formed meatballs on a tray, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, allowing extra time as required.
## Storing and Reheating Tips
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
– On the stovetop: Heat over medium-low, periodically stirring the sauce.
– In the microwave: Use short intervals, stirring in between.
– In the slow cooker: Reheat on low, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce.
### FAQs
– **Can I place raw meatballs directly into the slow cooker?** Yes, they will cook fully in the sauce.
– **Can I use precooked or frozen meatballs?** Yes, frozen meatballs will require more time to heat thoroughly.
– **Can I cook these meatballs on low in the slow cooker?** Yes, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
## More Meatball Favorites
Discover more mouthwatering meatball recipes to satisfy your cravings.
### Recipe Overview
– **Servings**: 8
– **Prep Time**: 10 minutes
– **Cook Time**: 3-4 hours
– **Total Time**: 3 hours 10 minutes
### Ingredients
#### For the Sauce
– Marinara or pasta sauce of your choosing
### Instructions
1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form 24 meatballs and arrange them in the slow cooker.
3. Combine all sauce ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the meatballs and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve over pasta.
### Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Savor this simple and comforting crockpot meatball recipe that brings the essence of Italy to your dining table!