Crockpot Meatballs

[KandD]

I am using the crockpot for the first time this weekend just to make frozen meatballs in sauce.

How long and at what setting should I cook the meatballs for?

(I know this is a silly question but I don't want to mess this up!!)

 

[Ohiodislover]

Wont take long if the meatballs are fully cooked. maybe 2-3 on low hours tops

 

[TEENEE]

2-3 hours sounds right. I like to let them cook longer on low so that the meatballs absorb more of the flavor of the sauce.

 

[MIGrandma]

When I do frozen meatballs in the crockpot I usually thaw the meatballs first, overnight in the refrigerator. Put them in the crockpot in the morning (8:00 or so), on low, along with either cream of mushroom soup, BBQ sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Simmer them on low 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Or if they are for dinner, then start them around 1:00 or 2:00.

 

[KandD]

OK so I should defrost them first and then cook them in the crockpot.

Thank you for your help!

 

[sbell111]

We toss ours in frozen with spicy BBQ sauce, a can of jellied cranberries, and a couple tablespoons of orange marmelade. Put it on low for a few hours, stirring occasionally.

Yum!

 

[OrlandoMike]

I know this is more work, but I usually bake the meatballs in the oven first. This sears the edges, and they don't get soggy by absorbing all of the sauce.

 

[ChrizJen]

I know this is more work, but I usually bake the meatballs in the oven first. This sears the edges, and they don't get soggy by absorbing all of the sauce.

I was going to metion this. That's the way my SIL does it when she's in a hurry and doesn't have time to wait for them to thaw or simmer all day in the slow cooker. OK, now you've got me in the mood for some party food!!

 

[ski_mom]

What do you usually serve with the meatballs if you are using them for a meal? We always love meatballs when we go to a party, but never really eat them at home?

 

[MIGrandma]

What do you usually serve with the meatballs if you are using them for a meal? We always love meatballs when we go to a party, but never really eat them at home?

If we're using them at home for a meal, we usually use a cream of mushroom sauce (2 cans soup/1/2 - 1 can milk - stirred well and poured over). Then we have some sort of potato (au gratin, scallopped, etc.) and a vegetable, bread/rolls with butter. It's a nice, simple meal we enjoy in the winter months.

 

[ski_mom]

If we're using them at home for a meal, we usually use a cream of mushroom sauce (2 cans soup/1/2 - 1 can milk - stirred well and poured over). Then we have some sort of potato (au gratin, scallopped, etc.) and a vegetable, bread/rolls with butter. It's a nice, simple meal we enjoy in the winter months.

Thanks - that sounds like something my family would really enjoy!

 

[edandcolleen1995]

Thanks - that sounds like something my family would really enjoy!

Just a little tip. There is a ton of sodium in the normal cans of condensed soup.

You can really cut out that salt with the low sodium versions of the cream of mushroom. We found no reduction in the taste either

 

[KandD]

What do you usually serve with the meatballs if you are using them for a meal? We always love meatballs when we go to a party, but never really eat them at home?

Sometimes I make meatballs on Sundays and then just put them in the fridge and nights when we are busy we can just have meatball subs.


Thanks to everyone for their replies!! Do I bake the meatballs completely through and then just simmer them in the crockpot?
(This is for a party that I was asked to make crockpot meatballs for...I don't mean to ask silly questions but I really don't know!! )

 

[OrlandoMike]

I bake them in a 350 oven for about 15 minutes, just long enough to sear the outside. Then I put them in the crock pot with one jar of grape jelly, and two jars of Heinz chili sauce...

Ya I know it sounds gross, but people go nuts over them!

2 12 oz jars Heinz chili sauce
1 32 oz jar grape jelly
1 bag meatballs (about 80 in a bag)