Ella Walter
Frozen meatballs are a convenient freezer staple that can be easily cooked in a crock pot, making them a quick and versatile option for a hearty meal or appetizer. They can be paired with various sauces and dishes, such as spaghetti, marinara, barbecue sauce, or mashed potatoes, to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you use store-bought or homemade meatballs, cooking them in a crock pot is a simple and effective method that requires minimal preparation and yields tender and tasty results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meatball type | Precooked or uncooked |
| Meatball brand | Any brand |
| Thawing | No thawing required |
| Sauce | Marinara, BBQ, Sweet and Sour, Chili, Swedish Meatball, Teriyaki, etc. |
| Sides | Pasta, Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Bread, etc. |
| Temperature | 160-165°F |
| Cook time | 2-8 hours depending on heat setting |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
Cooking frozen meatballs in a crock pot is a convenient way to prepare a meal with minimal effort. The cooking time will depend on the heat setting you choose and whether you are using precooked or uncooked frozen meatballs.
Precooked frozen meatballs can be cooked on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can cook them on high heat for about 4 hours. It is recommended to check the meatballs around the 5 to 6-hour mark. If they are done, you can turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until you are ready to eat.
On the other hand, uncooked frozen meatballs should be cooked for a longer period to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. It is recommended to cook them on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for about 4 hours.
Regardless of the heat setting, it is important to ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of at least 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for food safety, especially when dealing with raw meat.
It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of meatballs, as well as the specific crock pot being used. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the meatballs periodically to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
In summary, cooking frozen meatballs in a crock pot is a simple and flexible process. By adjusting the heat setting and cooking time accordingly, you can prepare delicious and safe meals with minimal effort.
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Meatball recipes
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy prep slow cooker dinner. The rich brown gravy sauce is made from packets of seasoning mix and beef broth. You can serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with a garnish of chopped parsley.
Ingredients:
- 26 ounces of frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Steps:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with chopped parsley as garnish.
Swedish Meatballs
This recipe is perfect for a delicious and hearty meal. You can make a microwave roux with butter and flour to thicken the gravy, or use teriyaki sauce with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
- Frozen meatballs
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Teriyaki sauce (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Steps:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- If making the gravy, melt butter and mix with flour in the microwave to make a roux.
- Add the beef broth to the roux and stir to combine.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- If using, sprinkle sesame seeds on top when done.
- Serve warm.
Chili Sauce/Jelly Cocktail Meatballs
This recipe is perfect for a party or gathering. You can experiment with different jelly flavors, add a dash of red cooking wine or Worcestershire sauce, and include a small can of pineapple tidbits with their juice.
Ingredients:
- 2 bags of frozen meatballs
- Chili sauce
- Jelly (grape jelly or other flavor)
- Red cooking wine (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Small can of pineapple tidbits with juice (optional)
Steps:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- Add the chili sauce and jelly to the crockpot.
- If using, add the red cooking wine or Worcestershire sauce.
- If using, add the pineapple tidbits with their juice.
- Stir to combine and coat the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 2-8 hours, depending on your preference and time constraints.
- Serve warm.
BBQ Meatballs
This recipe is simple and versatile, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce or combine it with grape jelly for a tangy twist.
Ingredients:
- Frozen meatballs
- BBQ sauce
- Grape jelly (optional)
Steps:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- Pour your chosen sauce over the meatballs.
- If using, add grape jelly to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine and coat the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-4 hours.
- Serve warm.
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Sauce recipes
There are several sauce recipes that can be used when cooking frozen meatballs in a crock pot. Here are some options:
BBQ Sauce
Add your frozen meatballs to the crock pot and pour your favourite BBQ sauce over them. Cover the pot and cook for 3-4 hours on low. You can also add grape jelly to make a sweet and tangy sauce. Simply whisk together a jar of grape jelly and chilli sauce, and pour it over the meatballs before cooking.
Marinara Sauce
This is a great option for an Italian-inspired meal. Simply add your frozen meatballs to the crock pot and pour in your favourite marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Swedish Meatball Sauce
For this recipe, you will need to make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour in the microwave. Then, whisk in beef broth, cherry preserves, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and pepper. Pour the sauce over your frozen meatballs in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Salisbury Steak Meatball Sauce
This sauce is perfect for those who love rich, brown gravy. It is made using packets of seasoning mix and beef broth. Simply add the seasoning mix to the beef broth and pour it over your frozen meatballs in the crock pot. Cook until the meatballs are tender. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix cornstarch and cold water and add it to the sauce after cooking.
Spaghetti and Meatball Sauce
This is a simple and classic option. You can use your favourite spaghetti sauce, or a jar of marinara sauce, and cook the meatballs for 6 hours on low.
Special Sauce
If you're looking for a unique flavour, you can make a special sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, and minced dill pickles. Simply mix these ingredients and pour them over your frozen meatballs before cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Frozen meatballs cooked in a crock pot are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
For a hearty meal, serve your crock pot meatballs as Salisbury steak meatballs. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cooked white rice. To take it up a notch, serve it with cream cheese mashed potatoes and a vegetable side dish, such as Italian green beans. Don't forget to garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Swedish Meatballs
Create a delicious Swedish meatball dish by serving the crock pot meatballs with egg noodles. For a complete dinner, include some steamed green beans and butter swim biscuits on the side. You can also mix the noodles and meatballs together or serve the meatballs on top of the noodles.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic combination, spaghetti and meatballs is always a crowd-pleaser. Simply cook your favourite spaghetti recipe and serve it with the crock pot meatballs. Don't forget to include some sauce, such as marinara or your favourite spaghetti sauce.
Meatball Appetizers
Crock pot meatballs also make great appetizers for parties or potlucks. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can offer a variety of sauces for dipping, such as BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a combination of chili sauce and grape jelly.
Meatball Sandwiches
For a casual meal, serve your crock pot meatballs in sandwiches or pita bread. You can fill the pita with meatballs, chopped romaine, cucumber, and feta for a refreshing bite. Alternatively, serve the meatballs on a roll with garlic butter, like a toasted French bread roll.
Meatball Pot Roast
For a comforting meal, create a meatball pot roast by serving the crock pot meatballs with mashed potatoes or baby potatoes, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, or mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a lazy day as it can be prepared with minimal effort and provides a hearty and tasty meal.
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Freezing and storing meatballs
To freeze uncooked meatballs, shape your meatball mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each meatball to ensure they don't stick together. Loosely cover the baking sheet with food wrap and place it in the freezer until the meatballs are solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
If you prefer to freeze cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking tray. Put the tray in the freezer until the meatballs are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. Be sure to label the container with the contents and date.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen meatballs, simply cook them in your preferred sauce on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker like a Crock-Pot. For uncooked frozen meatballs, it's best to cook them directly in the sauce from frozen to prevent them from becoming squishy. Defrosting cooked meatballs before reheating will allow you to brown them in a pan if desired.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in a crock pot.
Frozen meatballs can be cooked in a crock pot for 4-6 hours on low heat. If you are in a hurry, you can cook them for 4 hours on high heat.
No, you do not need to thaw frozen meatballs before putting them in a crock pot. They can be cooked straight from frozen.
Some sauce options that go well with meatballs cooked in a crock pot include marinara, BBQ, sweet and sour, and chili sauce.
