Are you looking for a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes. This recipe combines tender meatballs infused with garlic butter flavor and perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Just imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of savory meatballs wafting through your home. With minimal effort required, you can have a delicious dinner ready for your family or guests.
This dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. The combination of juicy meatballs and creamy potatoes makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying their meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes. Here are just a few:
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal prepped and cooking while you focus on other tasks. Just mix, form, and toss everything in the slow cooker!
- Rich and Delicious Flavor: The garlic butter sauce elevates the meatballs and potatoes, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Versatile Serving: This dish can be served as a main course or as part of a buffet spread. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Meatballs are a classic favorite among both kids and adults. This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container and reheat when ready to eat.
Now that you’re excited about this recipe, let’s explore why you should try making it today!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Every home cook deserves to have a go-to recipe that’s both simple and satisfying. Here’s why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes should be on your dinner rotation:
- Quick to Gather Ingredients: The ingredients are likely staples in your pantry. You won’t need to make an extra trip to the grocery store, saving you both time and money.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a busy weekday, this recipe is comforting and perfect for any occasion. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. You can add red pepper flakes for heat or switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Healthy Option: This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with protein from the meatballs and fiber from the potatoes, it’s a wholesome dinner choice.
- Impressive Presentation: When you serve this dish, it looks and smells incredible. Your guests will be impressed, and they won’t believe how easy it was to make!
With all these benefits, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and gather the ingredients!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Necessary Utensils
To successfully prepare this recipe, make sure you have the following utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Slow cooker
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
With your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get into the recipe steps!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these detailed steps to create your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will serve as a base for the meatballs, allowing them to absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Add the Meatballs: Carefully place the prepared meatballs on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Arrange them evenly to ensure they cook properly.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the chicken broth, whisking until combined. Pour this savory garlic butter mixture over the meatballs and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through, and the potatoes should be tender when done.
- Serve: Once cooked, gently stir to combine the meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
With these steps, you’re on your way to enjoying a delicious and comforting meal. Here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:
- For added flavor, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- You can also mix in other vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option.
FAQs
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and potatoes after cooking. Just let them cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low takes about 6-8 hours, while cooking on high will take approximately 3-4 hours. Always check that the meatballs are cooked through before serving.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture?
While breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs and add texture, you can substitute them with oats or crushed crackers if preferred.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, this recipe will surely become a household favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family! Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out this link for another fantastic meatball option!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece Large egg
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Chicken broth
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Carefully place the meatballs on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the chicken broth and whisk until combined. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the meatballs and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, gently stir to combine the meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
