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Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to cook frozen meatballs in the crockpot. Too often, people just pop them in without taking the time to read the cooking instructions. This can lead to dry, overcooked meatballs that are nothing but tasteless filler.
So, how long to cook frozen meatballs in crockpot for the optimal results that you always wish for? Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Why This Frozen Meatball Recipe Works?
This recipe for crockpot frozen meatballs works so well because it uses a combination of two cooking methods that prevent the meatballs from drying out. First, the meatballs are cooked on high heat for an hour to sear in their juices. Then, they’re simmered on low heat for the remainder of the cooking time.
The result is perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs that are full of flavor. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a dry and overcooked crockpot meatball, this recipe is definitely for you!
If you want something else crunchy and crispy, why don’t you check out this Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer by Liliana Kitchen? You will surely love it at first sight!
What Kind of Frozen Meatballs Should I Use?
For this recipe, we recommend using frozen beef or pork meatballs. However, you could also use frozen turkey or chicken meatballs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meatball that you use.
Can You Cook Meatballs From Frozen In Slow Cooker?
You can cook meatballs from frozen in the slow cooker. However, we do not recommend cooking them on low heat for the entire cook time. Instead, cook them on high heat for the first hour to sear in their juices, then reduce the heat to low for the remainder of the cooking time.
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot? – Liliana Kitchen
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot?
One of the great things about crockpot cooking is that it’s very forgiving. That means that even if you’re not sure about how long to cook something for, it’s unlikely that you’ll ruin it. When it comes to frozen meatballs, there are a few different factors that will affect cooking time.
- First, the size of the meatballs will make a difference. Smaller meatballs will cook more quickly than larger ones.
- Second, the type of crockpot you’re using can also affect cooking time. If you’re using a slow cooker with a lower setting, it will take longer to cook the meatballs than if you’re using a higher setting.
- Finally, the amount of liquid in the crockpot can also impact the cooking time. If there’s more liquid, it will take longer for the meatballs to cook through.
With all of these factors in mind, a general guideline is to cook frozen meatballs on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. However, it’s always best to check on the progress of your dish periodically to ensure that it’s cooking properly.
How To Cook Frozen Meatball In Crockpot?
To cook frozen meatballs in the crockpot, simply place them in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add your favorite sauce or gravy. We like to use barbecue sauce or marinara sauce.
Next, set the crockpot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
Once the meatballs are cooked through, they’re ready to serve! We like to serve them over a bed of rice or pasta, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen beef or pork meatballs
- 1 (16-ounce) jar barbecue sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- First thing first, place your frozen meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce and marinara sauce over the top.
- Next, set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, they’re ready to serve! I like to serve them over a bed of rice or pasta, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/6 of a recipe (4.1 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 11.2 grams
- Saturated fat: 3.4 grams
- Unsaturated fat: 0 grams
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 34.5 grams
- Sugar: 28.3 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Protein: 8.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 36 milligrams
- Sodium: 1312 milligrams
Tips For Cooking Frozen Meatball In Crockpot
Cooking frozen meatballs in a crockpot is a great way to have a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort. Here are some tips to ensure that your frozen meatballs come out perfect every time:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot. There is no need to thaw them first.
- Add a jar of your favorite pasta sauce, along with any other seasonings or vegetables you like.
- Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes. Enjoy!
>> In case you want to have an overview of the making of frozen meatballs in crockpot, you can take a reference from this video here:
Using Frozen Meatballs With Sauce
One of the great things about frozen meatballs is that they come pre-seasoned and ready to go. That means that all you need to do is add them to your favorite sauce and let them cook.
I like to use a jar of barbecue sauce or marinara sauce, but you can really use any type of sauce that you like.
Crockpot Meatball Sauce Ideas
Here are some of my favorite crockpot meatball sauce ideas:
- Barbecue sauce
- Marinara sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Cocktail sauce
What To Serve With Crockpot Meatballs?
There are so many delicious things that you can serve with crockpot meatballs. Here are some of my favorites:
- Cooked pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Breadsticks
- Salad
- Fruit salad
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot?
How To Store?
Leftover crockpot meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat and cook until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
If you’re reheating from frozen, place the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot
When cooking frozen meatballs in a crockpot, there are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make:
- Not cooking on low enough heat – If you cook frozen meatballs on too high of a heat, they will cook too quickly on the outside while still being frozen in the middle. Be sure to cook them on low heat for best results.
- Not adding enough sauce – Frozen meatballs need sauce in order to cook properly and taste their best. Be sure to add plenty of sauce to the crockpot so that they don’t dry out.
- Not cooking long enough – Frozen meatballs need to be cooked all the way through in order to be safe to eat. Be sure to cook them for the full amount of time recommended by the recipe.
- Assuming all crockpots cook at the same rate – All crockpots are different and therefore cook at different rates. Be sure to check on your meatballs frequently so that they don’t overcook.
- Not adding any vegetables or other ingredients – Frozen meatballs are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with other ingredients. Try adding some chopped vegetables or other seasonings to the crockpot for an extra boost of flavor.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot
FAQs For “How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Crockpot?”
Can you cook frozen meatballs in slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. There is no need to thaw them first. Just add them to the slow cooker with your favorite sauce and cook for 4 – 6 hours.
How long does it take to cook frozen meatballs?
It takes about 2-3 hours to cook frozen meatballs in a crockpot.
Can you put frozen uncooked meatballs in the crockpot?
Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in a crockpot without thawing them first. Just add them to the crockpot with your favorite sauce and cook for the recommended amount of time.
How long do you heat meatballs in crockpot?
Cook time for frozen meatballs in a crockpot is 2-3 hours on low or 4 to 6 on high.
What are some of your favorite recipes that include frozen meatballs?
There are so many delicious recipes that you can make with frozen meatballs. Here are some of my favorites:
- Barbecue Meatball Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Teriyaki Meatballs
- Cocktail Meatballs
Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking?
No, you don’t need to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking. Just add them to the crockpot with your favorite sauce and cook for the recommended amount of time.
Can I cook frozen meatballs without sauce?
Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs without sauce. However, they will not be as moist and flavorful. For best results, cook them in a sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen meatballs in a crockpot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Just add them to the crockpot with your favorite sauce and cook for the recommended amount of time.
Be sure to avoid common mistakes such as not cooking on low enough heat or not adding enough sauce. With a little bit of care, Liliana Kitchen is sure that you can easily make a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Thanks for reading!
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) package of frozen beef or pork meatballs
- 1 (16-ounce) jar of barbecue sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce and marinara sauce over the top.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, they are ready to serve!
Notes
- Provided that you are using a slow cooker with a lower setting, it will take longer to cook the meatballs than if you're using a higher setting.
- The amount of liquid in the crockpot can also impact the cooking time. If there's more liquid, it will take longer for the meatballs to cook through.
