Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs, a cherished recipe passed down from the Johnson Family’s collection on the Baptist Church website, is a delectable dish perfect for lunches, snacks, potlucks, or any weeknight meal. It’s especially ideal for beginner cooks seeking an easy, inexpensive, and healthy option that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup egg substitute
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh onions, finely chopped
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chili sauce
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 296.9
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 44.4mg
- Sodium: 705.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.4g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 26.1g
- Protein: 17.7g
Servings: 10 (Serving size: 3 meatballs with 2 tablespoons sauce)
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes (Prep Time: 30 minutes, Cook Time: 10 hours)
Instructions:
- Begin by combining the lean ground beef, egg substitute, fresh parsley, and fresh onions in a large bowl. Mix them thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 30 meatballs, each approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- In the insert of an electric slow cooker, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, jellied cranberry sauce, and chili sauce. Gently stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low. Allow the meatballs to cook for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender and juicy.
- Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot, with a generous portion of sauce spooned over the top. These meatballs are delicious on their own or served over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of mashed potatoes.
Recipe Notes:
- For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a touch of honey.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the slow cooker before serving.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the meat mixture for added flavor complexity.
Reviews:
- With an aggregated rating of 5 stars from 5 reviews, Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Reviewers rave about the tender texture of the meatballs and the irresistible flavor of the sweet and tangy sauce.
In conclusion, Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs are a testament to the joy of simple, homemade cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-cooked comfort!