Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Subs Recipe
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For a quick easy dinner idea, check out these easy slow cooker meatball subs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game day gathering, or just craving a comforting sandwich, meatball subs are a fantastic choice.
Meatball sandwich recipe (crock pot)
This dish is even easier using your slow cooker. Roll your meatballs up ahead of time, drop them in the slow cooker, and go. Your tender, flavorful meatballs cook in the slow cooker, then simmer n rich tomato sauce, making this perfect for lazy weekends.
Using a slow cooker to make meatball subs offers numerous benefits, particularly for those who want a delicious, homemade meal with minimal hands-on cooking. The slow cooker’s low, consistent heat allows the meatballs to become incredibly tender as they slowly absorb the flavors of the marinara sauce.
Cooking meatballs this way also ensures that they remain moist and juicy, avoiding the dryness that sometimes occurs when meatballs are baked or pan-fried. Additionally, the slow cooker takes the guesswork out of timing. This method is especially appealing when hosting events or serving a crowd because you can prepare everything ahead of time and keep the meal warm until it’s ready to serve.
At the heart of this recipe are the meatballs, which can be made from a variety of meats, such as ground beef, pork, turkey, or a blend like ours. The addition of panko, eggs, and seasonings such as garlic, onion, herbs, and Parmesan cheese enhances the meatball mixture, giving it that classic Italian flair.
How to Assemble the Perfect Meatball Sub
To assemble the perfect meatball sub, split the rolls open and line the bottom with meatballs, allowing some of the sauce to soak into the bread. Add a generous amount of extra sauce on top of the meatballs for a juicy bite.
Cheese is an essential component of meatball subs, and you can use a variety of options depending on your preferences. Mozzarella is a classic choice that melts beautifully, while provolone or Parmesan can add more depth and sharpness to the flavor.
For an extra step of indulgence, place the assembled subs under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a crispy, golden top that contrasts nicely with the tender meatballs and sauce.
Why Slow Cooker Meatball Subs Are a Family Favorite
Slow cooker meatball subs are perfect for feeding a family or a crowd, as the dish is both filling and customizable. Each person can add their favorite toppings, whether it’s more cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a dash of hot sauce. The slow cooker also makes clean-up a breeze, as everything is prepared in one pot and the rest of the meal requires minimal assembly.
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty, flavorful meatballs with tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in a warm, crusty roll. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it an easy, stress-free meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these slow cooker meatball subs are guaranteed to be a hit.
The crockpot makes juicy meatballs every time whether you use homemade meatballs or take a shortcut and buy frozen meatballs. Slow cooker meatballs are the key. And it’s a great way to get a ton of meatballs hot and ready for a crowd during football season or just your busy weeknights. Easy dinner recipes are my jam! I love using simple ingredients and pantry stables to make great meals without wearing myself out. Feeding 9 people every day is no easy task.
If you want to substitute hoagie rolls or sub rolls for the hot dog buns, that’s perfectly fine. You can also use frozen meatballs and store-bought spaghetti sauce for a super easy shortcut. But the first time you try these Italian meatballs homemade, you’ll be hooked. And you can even make your own Italian seasoning that beats the store-bought flavor in spades!
For more meatball ideas, check these out:
- 20 Top Healthy Meatball Recipes
- Pepperoni Meatball Roll Ups
- Frozen Meatball Recipe for Bulk Cooking
- Creepy Meatball Eyeballs
Crock Pot Meatball Sub Recipe
Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic divided
- 1 tsp onion powder divided
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1 1/2 tsp salt divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 8 top sliced hotdog buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, Parmesan, one clove of crushed garlic, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of Italian Seasoning. Set this aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, begin to mix the two ground meats.
- Add the eggs and milk and mix.
- Finally, add the crumb mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Divide the meat into 1” – 2” balls and set aside for 15 mins.
- While the meat is resting, mix the remaining spices into the crushed tomatoes and mix.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and set it on high. Cook for 2-3 hours on high and then add the tomatos to cook for another hour.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, place 3 meatballs on a bun and top with mozzarella. you and even top it with fresh chopped basil.
