Slow Cooker Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

These Slow Cooker Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for busy days. The meatballs are tender, packed with flavor, and the ricotta filling adds a creamy surprise.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

• In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Make the Meatball Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

3. Form the Meatballs:

• Take a small amount of the meatball mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center, then fold the meat around the filling and roll into a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture and filling are used.

4. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

• Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.

5. Cook:

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

6. Serve:

• Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. They pair perfectly with spaghetti, on a sub for meatball sandwiches, or on their own!

Tips:

• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. You can make a large batch and freeze them before cooking for an easy meal later on. Just thaw and then cook in the slow cooker.
• Additions: Feel free to add chopped spinach or herbs to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrition!

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs!