Black Friday Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe for Easy Hosting
There's nothing quite like the excitement of Black Friday—the thrill of nabbing great deals, the hustle and bustle of shopping, and the inevitable exhaustion that follows. After a day of retail therapy, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.
That's why I've perfected this Black Friday Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe, designed to make your life easier while delivering maximum flavor. You'll love the convenience of using a slow cooker, letting it do all the work while you unwind and enjoy your new purchases. Trust me, nothing says "cozy night in" like a hot plate of savory meatballs in a rich, tangy sauce.
Article Includes
Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness is key to this recipe. Use fresh ground beef, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as well and can alter the texture of your meatballs.
Browning is Essential: Don't skip the step of searing the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Browning adds a layer of flavor that's essential for perfect meatballs. It also helps to lock in the juices, making your meatballs extra tender during the slow cooking process.
Black Friday Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto a baking sheet. This should make about 20-24 meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear until they are browned on all sides. This helps lock in the juices.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, mix together the marinara sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cook: Carefully add the browned meatballs into the slow cooker, making sure they're fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Once done, give the sauce a good stir. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
