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Well we’re slowly getting into our back-to-school groove. And along with back-to-school is back to the busy evening routine that is having three children. I find that sticking to a routine works best for our family. From keeping a clear calendar on our whiteboard, to planning out dinners and nights for takeout meals, we function best when everyone is on the same page. Something we’re all always on the same page about is meatball subs. First, homemade meatballs are just delicious. Second, cover them with cheese and slap them on a bun? Sold! It’s a meal the whole family likes. Bonus points? It’s a slow cooker meal, which means this busy mom can set and forget. And it’s exactly why you need to add this easy slow cooker meatball subs recipe to your meal rotation.
Why the slow cooker?
So why make these in the slow cooker? You know I love using my Instant Pot, but a slow cooker is also right up there with my preferred kitchen gadgets. My love of my Instant Pot is beyond measure, but sometimes I need to just set a meal up and forget about it until dinner time. And that’s exactly why I love using my slow cooker (PS. this is my favorite one).
What you’ll need to make Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
The key to this recipe is making a meatball that won’t fall apart while cooking. These meatballs have an incredible consistency and incredible flavor. Bonus points? The smell while they are cooking is divine!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Panko crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- 2 eggs
- milk
- Italian sausage
- ground beef
- crushed tomatoes
- split top hot dog buns
- shredded mozzarella to top it off!
That’s all you’ll need for a delicious dinner!
Slow Cooker Meatball Subs Recipe
Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of Panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder, divided
- 2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon of salt, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 8 split top sliced hot dog buns
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
Instructions
INGREDIENTS -
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, Parmesan, and spices. 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 hours and then add the marinara sauce 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.
- ENJOY!
PIN FOR LATER
Ok I have questions about this, lol.
1. It says some of the seasonings are divided….is it divided in half??
2. Do you drain the fat from the meatballs before you add the sauce?