Crock Pot Meatballs

After taking a hiatus from this blog, I'm back!

I actually made this recipe for the first time a few months ago. I made a Super Bowl-themed meal, complete with Buffalo Chicken Dip & Taco Dip (vegetarian). I make homemade Italian meatballs almost every time we have spaghetti.  But after my husband tried these Crock Pot Meatballs he told requested that I make them at least once a week! No complaints here.. these things are incredibly easy to make!

Crock Pot Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp oregano 
• pinch of salt & pepper
• 1 jar grape jelly
• 1 jar chili sauce

Mix together all of the ingredients except the jelly & chili sauce. I ended up using a little more than 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, just add until the desired consistency is reached. The mixture for meatballs should be moist, but still be able to ball up easily without falling apart.

This recipe calls for one pound of meat -- more than enough for my husband who is the only one eating them, obviously. But if you're making these for a party, my suggestion would be to double the recipe. Next, spray cooking spray on a couple baking sheets & start shaping the mixture into 1" meatballs. Bake for 20-25 minutes in an oven, preheated at 350 degrees.

While they are baking, get out your trusty Crock Pot. I have recently fallen in love with Crock Pot liners. My first thought when I saw them was "how lazy" -- but then I gave them a shot. Less dishes to wash equals a happy Emily! No more soaking my Crock Pot overnight, no more scrubbing -- it's a beautiful thing.

After the meatballs are done, go ahead and just stick them in the Crock Pot. Cover with the entire bottle of chili sauce & entire jar of grape jelly. Mix together so the meatballs are completely covered in the sauce.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Even though I can't taste test the meatballs, I did sneak a taste of the sauce it was cooking in - so good! If it was me, I'd like this over some white rice. But my husband just stuck some in a bowl and went to town. Definitely a hit in our household!