Slow Cooker Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara

It's official. I am in love with cheese-stuffed meatballs prepared in the slow cooker. They cook up so incredibly mouth-watering juicy and tender. And, they are oozing with cheese and packed full of flavor.

 

 

There are a lot of options when it comes to this recipe with regards to both how it is served and how it is prepped. The recipe, first of all, calls for both ground pork and ground beef, but you can simply choose all beef. Or, you can even go a healthier route by using ground turkey or chicken (although using turkey or chicken may result in a somewhat drier meatball due to the lack of fat content). Regarding service of the meatballs, you can devour them as-is, use them for meatball subs, serve them as appetizers (just make them smaller and use smaller chunks of cheese inside) or serve over pasta with extra sauce.

As far as some prep options, you can assemble just prior to browning the meatballs and cooking in the slow cooker (as the recipe is written). Or, the meatballs can be assembled the night before you plan to cook them. Just place them in the fridge in an airtight container and brown them up just before tossing into the slow cooker. However, meatballs are a great freeze-ahead item.  I often assemble meatballs, place them on a baking tray, freeze until solid and toss them into a zip-top freezer bag. Just thaw them a bit prior to using.

I do find that I prefer any homemade meatballs to be chilled in the fridge a bit (prior to cooking) even if I'm assembling them the same day as cooking. It firms up the meatballs so that they hold together well when browning. And, it allows time for the flavors to meld.

See .. I told you I would give ya lots of options. Now go run and make these meatballs (or, at least, get these ingredients jotted down onto your shopping list). You won't regret it.

Yields 14 - 16 large meatballs.

Savory Meatballs in Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Sauce

If you're craving tender, savory meatballs simmered in a from-scratch, creamy mushroom gravy, you've come to the right place. My simple recipe shows you how to create a cream of mushroom soup style of sauce that is completely homemade (no canned soup here), yet is easy and uncomplicated. I've, also, included the recipe for my favorite meatballs. Paired together, you've got a dinner dish that I'm sure you'll want to make again and again ... and one that will make your family want to lick their plates clean.

This is really a two-for-one recipe post.  First, you'll find the meatball recipe with the cream of mushroom soup recipe to follow.  The meatballs can be made on their own and used in any recipe ... as can the soup!

I am in love with this homemade mushroom soup.  It is seriously beyond amazing and way better than the canned stuff.  It is ultra-luxurious and has a deep, rich flavor.  It can be eaten by itself just as a simple, comforting soup, but it really is a show-stopper matched up with meatballs and served over fluffy egg noodles.

You'll find instructions below, too, for making the meatballs in advance and freezing.  (Major time-saver for those busy weeknights.)

Chicken Meatballs in Parmesan Cream Sauce

 

This is one of my family's favorite meals. It is an easy thing to have prepped in advance. Make the meatballs the night before or morning of ... and everything will come together quickly at meal-time. The meatballs can, also, be made in advance and frozen.