Slow Cooker Meat Balls

These are so easy and so tender. I make these up when I'm not busy and pop them in the freezer (before they are cooked). Then when I have a busy day I can just pop them in the slow cooker along with my spaghetti sauce (I can my own). I also use this recipe when I need to bring an appetizer for a party.

SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS

(makes 36 meatballs)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef (I use ground chuck or sirloin)

*1/4 pound ground pork

*1 egg, slightly beaten

*1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1 tablespoon minced garlic

*1/3 cup italian bread crumbs

*1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

*1 tablespoon dried parsley

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon black pepper

*1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I make my own)

Directions:

~In a large bowl, gently but throughly mix 1 pound ground beef, 1/4 pound ground pork, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/3 cup bread crumbs, 1/3 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon dried  parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

~Shape into small meatballs. I use a cookie scoop to measure out my meatballs.

~Place meatballs into slow cooker.

~Pour 1 jar of spaghetti sauce over meatballs.

~Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or low for 6-7 hours.

~Serve as an appetizer, or over rice or spaghetti noodles.

Variations:

-add 1/4 cup onions, chopped fine

-add 1/4 cup green bell peppers, chopped fine

-add hot sauce to make it spicy

-substitute spaghetti sauce for 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk mixed and poured over meatballs (swedish meatballs)

-substitute spaghetti sauce for barbecue sauce

-substitute spaghetti sauce for 12 ounce chili sauce & 1 1/2 cups grape jelly mixed and poured over meatballs.

-substitute the spaghetti sauce for a sweet & sour sauce: In a medium saucepan mix, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoon flour, 1 1/4 cups water, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 1/4 cup white vinegar, & 3 tablespoons soy sauce. Heat until sauce it hot and mixed well. Pour over meatballs in slow cooker.

Helpful Hint:

-avoid stirring meatballs for at least one hour or meatballs may break apart.