๐ฉโ๐ณ Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs ๐
What is it?
Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs is a classic comfort food dish known for its savory meatballs simmered in a delicious tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a family dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.
History:
The origin of slow cooker meatballs can be traced back to the mid-20th century when slow cookers became popular in American households. The convenience of slow cooking allowed for the development of various recipes, and meatballs were a natural fit. This dish has since become a timeless favorite, passed down through generations and personalized with different variations.
Components:
- Meatballs: You’ll need ground meat (usually a mix of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings.
- Sauce: The sauce typically includes canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, diced onions, garlic, Italian herbs (like oregano and basil), salt, and sugar to balance the acidity.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, usually about 1-2 inches in diameter.
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Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This step helps lock in flavor.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In your slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, diced onions, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity. Stir to mix everything evenly.
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Combine and Cook:
- Place the browned meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Gently stir to ensure the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
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Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to the desired cooking time. Low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours is typical.
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Serve:
- Once the meatballs are tender and the flavors melded, serve them hot, typically over cooked pasta or as a delicious sub sandwich filling.
Time Needed:
- Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Cooking time: 3-8 hours in the slow cooker, depending on the heat setting.
Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs are not just a delightful dish; they also fill the air with a mouthwatering aroma as they simmer in the slow cooker, making it a truly heartwarming and comforting meal for any occasion. Enjoy! ๐๐ฝ๏ธ๐ ๐
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition information and health considerations for Aunt Jenny’s Slow Cooker Meatballs:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Sodium: 500-600 milligrams
Health Information:
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Protein: These meatballs are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Calories: The calorie count can vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the amount of sauce used. They are a moderately calorie-dense dish.
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Fat: While meatballs contain fat, it’s essential to choose lean ground meat to minimize saturated fat content. Excessive saturated fat can contribute to heart disease.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content primarily comes from breadcrumbs and the tomato sauce. It provides energy.
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Fiber: The fiber content is relatively low. You can increase the fiber content by using whole-grain breadcrumbs or serving the meatballs with whole wheat pasta.
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Sodium: Canned tomato products and seasonings can add sodium to the dish. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato products and seasonings.
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Sugar: A small amount of sugar is often added to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can reduce this if you prefer a lower sugar content.
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Portion Size: Be mindful of portion sizes, as overindulging can lead to excess calorie and fat intake.
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Variations: You can make the recipe healthier by using lean ground meat, adding more vegetables to the sauce, and using whole-grain pasta. These modifications can increase the fiber content and overall nutritional value.
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Allergies: Pay attention to potential allergens, such as gluten in breadcrumbs and dairy in the Parmesan cheese, and make substitutions if needed.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It’s always a good idea to adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences and requirements. Enjoy your meal in moderation and with attention to your specific health goals. ๐๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅ๐
