ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions:
**Step 2: Form the Meatballs**
Roll the mixture into two large meatballs. These should be big enough to make a hearty meal, but not so large that they won’t cook evenly. You can make them slightly larger than the size of a golf ball, but try to keep them uniform so they cook at the same rate.
**Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)**
If you have the time and prefer a little extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Simply heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a bit of extra color and caramelization to the meatballs, but it’s completely optional.
**Step 4: Add to the Slow Cooker**
Place the meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly covered. If you’d like, you can add a bit more seasoning to the sauce, such as Italian herbs, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
**Step 5: Slow Cook the Meatballs**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will soak up the sauce as they cook, becoming tender and juicy. The longer they cook, the more flavor they’ll absorb.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy them however you like:
– **With Pasta**: Serve over your favorite pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs meal.
– **On a Sub Roll**: Place them in a toasted sub roll with extra marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub.
– **With a Side Salad**: Pair with a fresh side salad and some crusty bread for a light and hearty dinner.
### Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
1. **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the ingredients, avoid overmixing the meat. This can result in dense, tough meatballs. A gentle hand will ensure a tender texture.
2. **Use Lean Meat**: If you’re using ground beef, opt for a leaner cut (like 90% lean) to keep the meatballs juicy and not overly greasy.
3. **Season Well**: Season your meatballs and sauce well. The slow cooker enhances flavors, but they need to be balanced to ensure the final dish is flavorful.
4. **Add Cheese**: You can add shredded mozzarella to the meatball mixture or top them with cheese before serving to make them extra indulgent.
5. **Extra Sauces**: If you want to kick things up a notch, add a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or a bit of tomato paste to your marinara sauce for more depth of flavor.
– **Simple and Quick**: With only a few minutes of prep work, this recipe is the ultimate easy dinner solution. Pop the meatballs in the slow cooker, let them cook, and you’re good to go.
– **Perfect for Busy Days**: If you have a busy day ahead, you can set the slow cooker in the morning and return home to a hot, delicious meal without any hassle.
– **Customizable**: You can easily modify this recipe to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Try different meats, sauces, or seasonings to make it your own.
– **Family-Friendly**: Meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults, making this meal ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
### Conclusion: A Deliciously Simple Dinner
This *Two Large Meatballs in a Slow Cooker* recipe is the perfect example of a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that still delivers on flavor and tenderness. With minimal prep, a few simple ingredients, and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy an appetizing meal that the whole family will love.
Whether you enjoy them with pasta, on a sandwich, or as a standalone dish, these juicy meatballs will become a go-to recipe for busy nights or whenever you’re craving something comforting. Roll up your meatballs, let the slow cooker do the work, and get ready for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
ADVERTISEMENT
