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meatball grinders

(4 ratings)
shirlann54 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
shirley terhaar
@shirlann54
milton, IN

These are so good and easy to make. The best thing about it is you can make this in your slow cooker.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Meatball grinders are perfect for game day. They're hearty enough for a meal or put on sliders for an appetizer. The majority of the work is done in the slow cooker, so it's a hands-off recipe. Lightly frying the meatballs in a skillet, keeps them juicy. As they simmer in the Crock Pot, they absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce. Loaded onto a hoagie roll and topped with Parmesan cheese ... what's not to love?!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(4 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 6 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Ingredients For meatball grinders

  • 1/4 c
    chopped onion
  • 1 can
    diced tomatoes, juice and all (15 oz)
  • 1 can
    tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 Tbsp
    tomato paste
  • 1 tsp
    dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 lb
    ground beef or chicken
  • 1/2 c
    fresh whole wheat or white bread crumbs [1 slice of bread]
  • 1
    egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 Tbsp
    finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt
  • 1/8 tsp
    black pepper
  • 4 sm
    hard rolls split
  • 4 Tbsp
    grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin

How To Make meatball grinders

  • Onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning in a slow cooker.
    1
    Combine onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until onions are soft.
  • Beef, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
    2
    During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, make the meatballs. Combine beef, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in medium bowl.
  • Meat formed into balls.
    3
    With wet hands form the mixture into 12 to 16 meatballs.
  • Frying the meatballs.
    4
    Put olive oil in skillet heat over medium heat till hot. Add meatballs cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until well browned on all sides.
  • Meatballs simmering in the sauce in a slow cooker.
    5
    Remove from heat add to slow cooker. Cook 1 to 2 hours or until meatballs are no longer pink in the center.
  • Meatball Grinders dusted with Parmesan cheese.
    6
    Place 3 to 4 meatballs in each roll. Divide sauce evenly and spoon over meatballs. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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