slow cooker frozen meatballs recipe

slow cooker frozen meatballs recipe

The Best slow cooker frozen meatballs recipe

I’ve been making slow cooker frozen meatballs for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make and can be served at any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

I love how the slow cooker tenderizes the meatballs, making them fall apart easily and absorbing all the flavors of the sauce. My kids adore this dish, and it’s become a staple in our household.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other meatball recipes. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice to make it more substantial.

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time and let the slow cooker do all the work while you’re busy with other things. It’s perfect for busy families like mine who need meals that are quick and easy to prepare.

Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs

Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs

4.7 from 1696 votes

A simple and delicious recipe for frozen meatballs cooked low and slow in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs and Sauce

1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
2Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced onion, and minced garlic.
3Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil over the top.
4Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5Stir everything together gently until the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.
6Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
7Cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours.
8The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling and slightly thickened.
9Give the meatballs a final stir before serving.
10Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Mixing spoon
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs Works

This slow cooker frozen meatballs recipe is always a hit with my family, and I’m confident it will be with yours too.

The best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time and let the slow cooker do all the work while you’re busy with other things.

It’s perfect for busy families like mine who need meals that are quick and easy to prepare.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs

Q1: What are the benefits of using frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Using frozen meatballs saves time and effort in preparing individual meatballs from scratch. They’re also a cost-effective option compared to buying pre-made meatball mixtures. Plus, they’re just as flavorful as homemade meatballs!

Q2: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

You can definitely use homemade meatballs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that they might not have the same texture as frozen ones after being cooked in the slow cooker.

Q3: What type of sauce should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a marinara or tomato-based sauce for this recipe. It complements the flavors of the meatballs perfectly and adds a nice tanginess to the dish.

Q4: Can I reheat leftover slow cooker frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can reheat leftover slow cooker frozen meatballs by placing them in the microwave or oven until they’re heated through. Just be sure to check on them periodically to avoid overcooking.

Q5: How long does it take for the slow cooker to cook frozen meatballs?

The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s heat level and the number of meatballs you’re using. As a general rule, allow 2-3 hours for cooking on low or 1-2 hours on high.

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