Spaghetti And Meatballs In The Crockpot
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious meal to make for dinner tonight? Look no further than spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot! This classic Italian dish is a favorite among families and is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with the convenience of the crockpot, you can set it and forget it until dinner time.
Ingredients
Before you get started, gather all of the necessary ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, here are the steps to make spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce into the crockpot.
- Add the meatballs to the crockpot, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve with the meatballs and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind while making spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot:
- You can use any type of ground meat you prefer, such as turkey or pork.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed saltine crackers or even oats instead.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a can of tomato paste to the spaghetti sauce.
- For added flavor, you can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the crockpot.
- To save time, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them until you are ready to use them.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot is a classic dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the crockpot, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time. Plus, the leftovers make great lunches for the next day!
