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Slow-Cooker Meatballs

Name: Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs; 2 cups salsa; 1/2 cup grated onion; 2/3 pound ground turkey; 2/3 pound ground pork; 2/3 pound ground beef; SAUCE:; 3 cups tomato sauce; 1 medium onion, grated; 1 cup beef stock; 1 cup mixed fruit jelly; 1 cup molasses; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/3 cup prepared mustard; 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt

1 review

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 3 hours

Makes

6 dozen

This idea came to me while sitting on the back porch. The combination of meats and ingredients in the sauce produce slow-cooker meatballs unlike any I've ever had. —Justin Boudreaux, Walker, Louisiana

Slow-Cooker Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
2 cups salsa
1/2 cup grated onion
2/3 pound ground turkey
2/3 pound ground pork
2/3 pound ground beef
SAUCE:
3 cups tomato sauce
1 medium onion, grated
1 cup beef stock
1 cup mixed fruit jelly
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup prepared mustard
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, salsa and onion. Add turkey, pork and beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place meatballs on greased racks in two 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Bake until browned, 18-22 minutes.
In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine sauce ingredients. Add meatballs; gently stir to coat. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.

Can you freeze Slow-Cooker Meatballs?

Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.

Slow-Cooker Meatballs Tips

Can you make slow-cooker meatballs without red meat?

Yes, you can make slow-cooker meatballs without red meat. Replace the beef and pork with equal amounts of ground chicken or ground turkey. You can also substitute all of the meat for a meat alternative like Beyond Meat or Impossible beef for a vegetarian or vegan option. Check out more of our meatball recipes for inspiration!

How do you store slow-cooker meatballs?

Store any leftover meatballs in a sealed container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use frozen meatballs, partially thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave them, covered, in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.

How can you make slow-cooker meatballs your own?

Meatballs are easily customizable to your preferences. If you’re looking for a little heat, add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or some Sriracha to the sauce. If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar in the recipe for a more tangy bite. Otherwise, add any fresh herbs you like. If you loved these slow-cooker meatballs, check out these Italian meatball recipes next.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 87 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.