Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Meatballs Recipe
Overview:
Prepare and indulge in this delectable Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Meatballs recipe, crafted with a blend of savory meats, aromatic herbs, and a tantalizing sauce, making it a perfect choice for lunches, snacks, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners. With a touch of spice and a hint of sweetness, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1/4 |
| No-salt-added diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| No-salt-added tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| No-added-salt tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Ground chicken | 1 lb |
| Ground turkey | 1 lb |
| Fresh parsley | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Black pepper | 3/4 tsp |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 cups |
| Egg white | 1 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Jelly | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In the slow cooker/crock pot, combine the diced tomatoes, reserved tomato juice (1/2 cup), tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and jelly. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
-
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Cook the Sauce:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the onions are soft and the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- During the last 30 minutes of the sauce’s cooking time, it’s time to prepare the meatballs.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground chicken, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg white, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Shape the Meatballs:
- With moistened hands, shape the meat mixture into 12 to 16 evenly sized meatballs. Ensure they are compact and hold their shape well.
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Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it with cooking spray.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
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Combine and Cook:
- Transfer the browned meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these succulent meatballs with your favorite pasta, on a bed of fluffy rice, or nestled within warm submarine rolls.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 35.2
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 8.1mg
- Sodium: 34.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugars: 1.4g
- Protein: 2.8g
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider using a combination of ground chicken and ground turkey, but you can also use all ground chicken or turkey based on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker, as it enhances their texture and flavor.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen for future use. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
- Experiment with different types of pasta or grains to serve alongside the meatballs for a varied dining experience.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the savory goodness of these Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Meatballs, packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic while you savor the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
