Day 43: Crock Pot Meatball Subs

Well its blizzard day!!  Its snowing and blowing and nasty cold outside.  So today is yet another comfort food recipe....being stuck inside I wanted something that would make you for that.  Another one of my favorite things in the whole wide world is meatball subs!!!  And finding a recipe for them that I can throw in the crock pot is even better....can't ask for anything better than mix, roll, throw in the crock pot, add sauce and cook.

The original recipe was just for the meatballs but I decided to make them into sandwiches instead....that is something that we can all eat...Little T and I can have sandwiches and Mr J on the low carb wave can just eat the meatballs.

The original recipe can be found at brookeandbrandon.com



Ingredients:

1 lb of ground beef

1/4 c of Italian breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 Tbsp milk

1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I used a extra large jar)

I also added a little grated parmesan, oregeno, parsley, chopped onion and a pinch of S&P.  Just to step up the flavor a little bit.

Another idea that I have "stolen" for another recipe is to mix my breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and set aside while I get the rest of the ingredients ready.  Not really sure why it works, but it seems to moisten the breadcrumbs (duh) and helps make it so you don't have clumps of dry breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

Step 1:  In a small bowl mix breadcrumbs and mix together and set aside.

Step 2:  In another bowl add egg, ground beef, chopped onions, spices (if you choose) and lastly add the breadcrumb mixture.  Mix well, making sure that all ingedients are combined.

Step 3:  Form the mixture into balls, (you can decide the size) I use a ice cream scoop to make mine, that way I know they are all the same size.

Step 4:  Place the meatballs into the crock pot (I use a crock pot liner in mine to make clean up a little easier.)  Pour spaghetti sauce over the top and turn crock pot to high for 3 hours.  You could cook them on low for longer if you wish.

Step 5:  You could server the meatballs over pasta, in meatball subs or as is with a little parmesan cheese.  For a well rounded meal add garlic bread and salad.

Since I wanted to make meatball subs, I started by cutting my hoagie buns in half and folding them open.  Than buttered top sides of the bun and placed it under the broiler for a minute to a minute and a half (until toasted).  After removing the bun from the oven, I added a few slices of cheese on one side of the bun (I used white american...just like subway), added the meatballs with a little extra sauce and placed the sandwiches back under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese.  For a finishing touch I added a little sprinkle cheese and extra sauce on the side for dipping and we were set!!!  Comfort food here I come...followed by a nap and comfy pants!!

I am rating this recipe a 5!!!  It was super easy and it left room for a little creativity!!  I can't wait to get my freezer up and running....I am going to make these meatballs by the ton & freezer them.  Just think...throw the frozen meatballs into the crock pot in the morning with a jar of sauce on low and by the time you get home from work dinner is ready to go!!  Plus you could also make a double batch in the crock pot and freeze the already cooked meatballs and just grab a few when you need a quick lunch/dinner!! 

I hope you'll give this recipe a try...I know that I will be adding this one to my "regular" list,