Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Ultimate Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Easiest Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Easiest Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Meatball Magic in Your Crockpot!

Fancy some proper comfort food, yeah? Have you ever tried Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs ? Honestly, the garlic butter sauce just takes them to another level. It is so flavorful.

Brief Overview: From Italy to Your Table

These babies have roots in classic Italian American cooking. They are super easy, just dump everything in the crockpot! It takes about 20 minutes to prep, then 4- 6 hours on low or 2- 3 hours on high.

This recipe will give you 6-8 servings. Perfect for family dinners.

Main Benefits: Healthyish Comfort Food!

You get a good whack of protein with these Italian Style Meatballs Crockpot , which is always a bonus. They are spot on for parties or a cosy night in front of the telly.

What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to get a flavour explosion.

What you will need to create these succulent Garlic Butter Meatballs

Right, so here's what you'll need. First for the meatballs. Get 450g of ground beef, and 225g of ground pork.

Panko breadcrumbs (60g) are crucial here, plus 30g of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget one egg, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

For the sauce, you will need half a cup of butter, because you want a nice rich Garlic Butter Sauce for Meatballs , then 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.

Then add Worcestershire sauce, parsley, red pepper flakes (optional for a kick), beef broth (120ml) and some heavy cream.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Ultimate Comfort Food presentation

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need for these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs . Honestly, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have kicking about.

If not, a quick trip to Tesco will sort you right out. I've tweaked this recipe for ages, and it's now my go-to for any gathering.

And the smell wafting from the crockpot ? Forget about it.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Okay, for the stars of the show: the meatballs. You'll need 1 lb (450g) of ground beef. Go for an 80/20 blend, you know, for that extra flavour boost.

Trust me. Then, add ½ lb (225g) of ground pork. If pork isn't your thing, just double up on the beef, no worries.

You will also need ½ cup (60g) of panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives them a lovely lightness, you know? Don't forget ¼ cup (30g) of grated Parmesan cheese.

Proper Parmesan, not that stuff in a green tin! And of course, 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Finish it off with 2 minced garlic cloves (about 2 teaspoons ), 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Now, key thing here, is to find good quality mince. What is ground beef? You want one with a bit of fat running through it.

It will stop the meatballs from drying out in the crockpot .

Seasoning Sensations

Garlic, garlic, garlic! We're making Garlic Butter Meatball Appetizer s, so don't hold back. For the sauce, you’ll need ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) of unsalted butter.

Don’t skimp on quality here, it makes a difference. Next up, 6 minced garlic cloves (about 2 tablespoons ). The secret weapon? 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.

Adds a real depth of flavour, it does. Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. These are optional if you want that extra kick! For the liquid, ½ cup (120ml) beef broth is ideal, and ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream.

Cream is optional, but it does make it super lush!

This Garlic Butter Sauce for Meatballs is magic. Honestly, you can use it with pretty much anything. And don’t be scared to experiment with other herbs! I've added rosemary before, which worked wonders.

The aroma of rosemary in the Italian Style Meatballs Crockpot is fantastic!

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)

For the bare essentials, you just need a large bowl. You know, for mixing up the meatballs. And, obviously, a slow cooker (3-quart or bigger).

That’s the star of the show, after all. If you're feeling fancy, a small saucepan can come in handy for browning the meatballs beforehand.

But that is totally optional! A slow cooker makes this an Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe !

Honestly, this is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal, perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights. And who doesn’t love coming home to the smell of Slow Cooker Meatballs with Pasta ? It's pure comfort food, innit?

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs

Okay, so you're looking for the easiest, tastiest way to get some proper Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs on the table? Look no further, love.

I'm sharing my go-to method. It's so simple, even I can't mess it up and, trust me, that's saying something!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

  • First things first, get everything out. We're talking the 1 lb ground beef , ½ lb ground pork , breadcrumbs, cheese and all that jazz. Mince your 8 cloves of garlic . I find that prepping all the ingredients before is like having a backstage pass to a smooth cooking gig.
  • Time saving tip: Measure out your spices into a small bowl beforehand. It's a little thing, but it makes a difference. Honestly, you'll feel like a proper chef.
  • Safety Reminder: When handling raw meat, always wash your hands thoroughly. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!

step-by-step Slow Cooker Magic

  1. Combine the meatball ingredients in a bowl. Mix gently! Don't overdo it; nobody likes a tough meatball.
  2. Roll into roughly 1 inch meatballs.
  3. Melt ½ cup butter in a pan, saute 6 minced garlic cloves .
  4. Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce , parsley, and ½ cup beef broth .
  5. Place the Italian Style Meatballs Crockpot into the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the meatballs.
  6. Cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or high for 2- 3 hours . It's done when the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Serve these delicious Parmesan Garlic Meatballs hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips For The Win

  • Browning the meatballs beforehand (optional) gives them a richer flavour. Worth it if you've got the time!
  • Don't overcrowd your slow cooker. If you need to, do it in batches. We want evenly cooked Mini Meatballs Appetizers Crock Pot .
  • To thicken the Garlic Butter Sauce for Meatballs , mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Add it in during the last 30 minutes.

You know, Meatballs In Crockpot Homemade are a game changer for parties. My mate Sarah made these for her birthday bash last year, and they went down an absolute treat.

Everyone was raving about them.

Honestly, this Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe is foolproof. Get yourself a Crockpot Meatballs for Party , and get cooking! You can even chuck them on a sub for Slow Cooker Meatball Subs .

Slow Cooker Meatballs with Pasta is another solid shout. Give this recipe a whirl, and let me know what you think.

You might just become a meatball convert!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, what's a recipe without a few insider tips? This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs recipe is pretty foolproof, but I've got some tricks up my sleeve to make it even better.

Ace-ing the Serve: Plating and Presentation

Think of serving these Italian Style Meatballs Crockpot as your chance to show off! For a cosy night, pile them high on spaghetti.

Don't forget a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. For a party? Thread them onto skewers for Mini Meatballs Appetizers Crock Pot .

They look gorgeous and are super easy to grab.

For sides, a simple green salad is perfect. Or try some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.

Oh, and a glass of Italian red? Bellissimo! Talking about this, have you try this Garlic Butter Meatball Appetizer , it is very delicious

Storage Solutions: Keep It Fresh

These Meatballs In Crockpot Homemade are even better the next day! Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they're in an airtight container.

Want to freeze them? No worries! Let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or on the hob. You can use your Crockpot Meatballs for Party directly from freezer.

For reheating, a gentle simmer on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth works wonders. Gets that sauce singing again!

Mix It Up: Variations

Fancy a twist? For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork. These Parmesan Garlic Meatballs are still amazing but a bit healthier.

Or, if you're catering for someone with a gluten intolerance, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Nobody needs to miss out! Also, in winter, I love adding a pinch of dried chilli flakes for a warming kick.

This makes your Slow Cooker Meatball Subs taste great!.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff

Okay, so it's not exactly health food. But these Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe do pack a protein punch! Plus, the garlic has some great health benefits.

Think of it as comfort food with a little added goodness. Each serving has a decent amount of protein. That keeps you full and satisfied.

Win-win, right?

Listen up, you know I just made my day yesterday when I made Slow Cooker Meatballs with Pasta ! You know, I even added it as an extra recipe! The Garlic Butter Sauce for Meatballs was very delicious that it made my stomach happy!

So, there you have it! Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with all the tips and tricks you need. Get in the kitchen and make some magic happen! Honestly, you'll be amazed how easy and delicious this is.

You have to try it to believe it.

Delicious Crockpot Garlic Butter LifeChanging Meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, you know!

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the garlic butter sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then simply assemble everything in the slow cooker when you're ready to cook. It's like having your own personal sous chef, without the hefty bill!

My slow cooker runs a bit hot. Any tips for preventing the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs from drying out?

Great question! To prevent drying, make sure there's enough sauce to cover most of the meatballs. You can also add a bit more beef broth (about ¼ cup) to the slow cooker at the beginning. And if you're really worried, check on them halfway through the cooking time.

If the sauce is reducing too much, add a splash more broth.

I don't have ground pork. Can I substitute anything in these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs?

No worries, mate! You can easily substitute the ground pork with more ground beef. A good 80/20 blend of ground beef will still give you that lovely flavour and texture. You could even try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but be mindful that they might need slightly less cooking time.

What's the best way to store leftover garlic butter meatballs, and how long will they last?

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them, warm them gently on the stovetop, or pop them back in the slow cooker on low until heated through. They're even delicious cold in a sandwich!

Can I freeze the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs? I always end up making too much!

Freezing is a brilliant idea for batch cooking! Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer safe container or bag with the sauce. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating, and they'll be as good as new!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Any suggestions for making these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs lighter?

Absolutely! You can use leaner ground meat (like ground turkey or chicken), substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for panko, and use half and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You could also reduce the amount of butter slightly or use a butter alternative.

Served with zucchini noodles instead of pasta is another great way to cut calories!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Ultimate Com

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Easiest Comfort Food Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs Easiest Comfort Food Recipe Card
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Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:240 Mins
Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories350-400
Fat20-25g
Fiber1-2g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian American

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