Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, tender meatballs infused with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Our Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs are not just a meal; they are a culinary journey that takes you straight to the sun-kissed shores of Italy! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic for 6 hours, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking, "What's for dinner?" Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, and 2 cups marinara sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer to cook them directly in the slow cooker.
- After browning, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook the meatballs for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the lid and check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and have absorbed the flavors of the marinara sauce.
- To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle some of the marinara sauce from the slow cooker over the top for extra flavor.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until everything is combined.
- Browning for Flavor: While you can skip browning the meatballs, taking the time to sear them in a skillet first adds a rich depth of flavor. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan!
- Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, opt for fresh parsley instead of dried. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different marinara sauces or even add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, but don’t forget about crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete your Mediterranean feast!
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
