Tiếng ViệtEnjoy delicious, effortless meals any night of the week thanks to this family-friendly recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker, brought to you by AK FOOD.
We know how hectic life can get, juggling work, school, and family time. That’s why we’re passionate about creating simple, delicious, and nutritious recipes that everyone will love, without spending hours in the kitchen.
This slow cooker classic delivers tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce – the epitome of comfort food made easy. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!
Meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker
The benefits of using a slow cooker
The beauty of slow cooking lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to elevate everyday ingredients into culinary masterpieces like meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker. Let’s delve into the specific benefits that make slow cookers a must-have for every kitchen:
Convenience
For busy individuals and families
For those with jam-packed schedules, the slow cooker offers a lifeline to home-cooked meals. Assemble your ingredients for your meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker in the morning, set it, and forget it! Come dinnertime, you’ll be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of a meal that’s ready to enjoy.
Hands-free meal preparation
Imagine coming home from a long day to a kitchen filled with the alluring scent of dinner already made. Slow cookers liberate you from the kitchen, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker simmer to perfection.
Meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker
Flavor development
Allow flavors to meld and develop over time
Slow cooking operates on gentle, even heat over an extended period. It allows for a magical transformation as the flavors of your ingredients slowly meld and deepen, resulting in a complexity and richness that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
This is especially true for dishes like meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker, where the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld fully .
Elevate the tenderness of the meatballs through slow cooking
The low and slow cooking process works wonders on tougher cuts of meat, breaking down connective tissues and transforming them into melt-in-your-mouth morsels. This is particularly true for meatballs, which emerge from the slow cooker tender and juicy.
More information: Meatballs with sauce
Step-by-step recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker
Prepare the ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato sauce
- A standard-sized can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces).
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- For a spicier dish, incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make the meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients until combined. Mix lightly, ensuring the ingredients are incorporated but not overworked.
- Roll the mixture into balls, aiming for a diameter of 1 1/2 inches.
Make the meatballs
Step 2: Make the tomato sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan, then cook the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Season salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 3: Cook the meatballs in slow cooker
- Carefully place the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are fully coated.
Step 4: Garnish serve the dish
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish and serve the meatballs in tomato sauce
More information: Meatball sauce sweet and sour: How to balance perfectly
Tips for making the best meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker
Choosing the right meat
The Classic Trio
For a traditional Italian-American flavor profile, opt for a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal. This combination offers a balance of richness, flavor, and moisture, making it perfect for meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker.
The Leaner Choice
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used. Keep in mind that these meats tend to be leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken – The leaner choice
Cooking process
Don’t Crowd the Pot
Resist the temptation to overcrowd the slow cooker with meatballs. Ensuring adequate space between them allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together, especially when making meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker.
Flavor Boost (Optional)
While not strictly necessary, searing the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker can impart a richer flavor and enhance their browning. Simply heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned.
Flavor Boost (Optional)
Get Creative with Your Sauce
The tomato sauce is your canvas for culinary creativity! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and even vegetables to create your signature flavor for your meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker. Consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, or a splash of red wine for added depth.
Serving and storing
Serve with Gusto
Once your meatballs in tomato sauce in the slow cooker are ready to eat, the possibilities for serving are endless. Add them over fluffy pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serve with fluffy pasta
Storage Savvy
Leftovers of your meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers carefully on the stove or in the microwave.
More information: AK Food vitamin A and unexpected benefits
Conclusion
“Family-friendly meatballs in tomato sauce in slow cooker” is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to hassle-free cooking and delicious, nutritious meals. This dish, packed with protein, lycopene-rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy valuable family time. For more healthy and easy recipes like this, visit AK FOOD‘s website and unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content!
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