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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork (optional) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes To make great meatballs, I start with ground beef. If you want more flavor, add ground pork. Breadcrumbs help bind the meat and keep it moist. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Fresh parsley brings brightness. Garlic gives a tasty punch, while onion powder adds depth. Salt and black pepper season the meat well. Crushed red pepper flakes let you control the heat. - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce I love using a mix of marinara and BBQ sauce for meatballs. This combo makes them sweet and tangy. You can change the spice level by adding more crushed red pepper flakes. If you want it milder, skip the flakes or use less. - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil makes the dish look beautiful. You can also use parsley or even green onions. A pop of color makes the meatballs more appealing. Remember to serve toothpicks for easy eating during the game! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add these ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork (optional) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together. Make sure it is well combined. This helps each meatball taste great. Next, shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This size is perfect for snacking. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes moving them easier later. Now it's time to cook! You can choose to brown the meatballs or skip this step. Browning adds flavor, but it takes time. If you're in a hurry, just put the raw meatballs into the slow cooker. If you decide to brown them, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them until they are brown on all sides. Then, carefully transfer them to the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix the sauces. Combine 1 cup of marinara sauce with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until blended well. Now, pour this sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Coat each meatball evenly. Cover the slow cooker, and set it to low. Cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the meatballs are done, they should be tender. Gently stir them to coat with sauce before serving. Enjoy! To make moist meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and pork. The pork adds flavor and fat. If you want to keep it simple, just use ground beef. Mixing in breadcrumbs helps too. These keep the meatballs tender. For binding, try adding an egg. You can also use cooked rice or oats for a fun twist. Always preheat your slow cooker before adding the meatballs. This helps them cook evenly. If you want juicy meatballs, keep the lid on during cooking. This keeps steam inside and prevents drying out. If you worry about them sticking, lightly coat the bottom of the cooker with oil. When game day arrives, make your meatballs stand out. Serve them in a large bowl, covered in sauce. Add fresh basil on top for color. Toothpicks make it easy for guests to grab their meatballs. Pair these tasty bites with drinks like beer or soda. Chips and dips work well on the side too. Pro Tips Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the meatballs enhances their flavor and adds a nice texture. If you have the time, this step is worth it! Mix Up the Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for a unique twist on flavor. You can also adjust the proportions to suit your taste! Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat in the slow cooker for easy game day preparation. Serving Suggestions: Pair the meatballs with mini slider buns or serve them on toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized treat during the game! {{image_4}} You can modify meatballs for specific diets. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well as regular ones. For a vegetarian or vegan diet, substitute meat with lentils or chickpeas. Blend in some oats and spices for flavor. You can also use plant-based cheese to keep that cheesy taste. To boost flavor, consider adding cheese. Mozzarella or feta can make meatballs extra tasty. Feel free to experiment with spices too. Try adding Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a twist. You can also switch up sauces. Instead of marinara and BBQ, use teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce. Each option offers a unique spin. Meatballs are versatile! You can serve them as sliders. Just place them in a small bun with sauce. They also work well in pasta dishes. Toss them with spaghetti for a classic meal. For something different, try them on skewers with veggies. You can even serve them in a big bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking during the game. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Cooling helps keep them fresh. You can place them in a shallow dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a tight lid. This keeps air out and stops drying. Store meatballs in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat meatballs in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, place them in a safe dish. Cover and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir to keep them tasty. To freeze meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. This helps avoid freezer burn. For thawing, place them in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can also thaw them in the microwave. Just make sure to cook them right after. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. They are a great time-saver. Just place them in the slow cooker without thawing. The sauce will help them cook through. Keep in mind, cooking time may change a bit. Check them after 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low to ensure they are warm throughout. You can keep leftover meatballs in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To keep their taste, try not to let them sit out too long. Always check for any strange smells or colors before eating. If you lack a slow cooker, you can bake or simmer your meatballs. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes. If you prefer simmering, add them to a pot with sauce. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, turning often. Both methods yield tasty meatballs! In this post, we covered how to make tasty game day crockpot meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, sauces, and garnishes to enhance flavor. I shared simple steps for mixing, cooking, and serving your meatballs. We explored tips for perfecting your recipe and accommodating dietary needs. Lastly, I provided storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. Using this guide, you can create mouth-watering meatballs that everyone will love. Enjoy your game day feast!

Game Day Slow-Cooker Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for game day gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Using your hands or a spoon, mix until well combined and uniform in texture.
  • Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place each formed meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy transfer.
  • Preheat your slow cooker by setting it to low.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. In batches, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. This browning step adds depth of flavor, but if you desire a quicker option, you can skip this step and place the raw meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce and BBQ sauce, stirring until thoroughly blended.
  • Carefully transfer the browned (or raw) meatballs into the slow cooker, coating them well with the sauce mixture.
  • Cover the slow cooker and let cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and tender.
  • When ready to serve, gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are well coated in sauce before plating.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks for easy serving and garnish with fresh basil.
Keyword game day, meatballs, slow cooker