Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich, savory sauce, paired with the irresistible bite of perfectly cooked weenies. This meatballs and weenies crockpot dish is the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Slow-cooked to perfection, the meatballs and weenies in this crockpot creation meld together in a symphony of flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible culinary masterpiece!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the secrets behind this ultimate meatballs and weenies crockpot recipe, from the carefully selected ingredients to the step-by-step instructions that ensure your success. So, let’s dive in and discover why this dish is about to become your new favorite!
🍝 The Secret Behind This Irresistible Dish
What sets this meatballs and weenies crockpot recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned to perfection with a custom spice blend that adds depth and complexity. The weenies, on the other hand, provide a delightful contrast with their firm, juicy bite.
The real magic, however, lies in the sauce. Instead of a basic tomato-based sauce, we’ve crafted a rich, savory gravy that perfectly complements the meatballs and weenies. The secret ingredient? A touch of Worcestershire sauce, which adds an irresistible umami element that ties the entire dish together. The slow-cooking process in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and utterly craveable.
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (16 ounces) cocktail weenies
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
The key to this recipe’s exceptional flavor is the blend of ground beef and pork. The pork adds a delightful richness and juiciness to the meatballs, while the beef provides a heartier texture. The breadcrumbs and eggs help to bind the meatballs, ensuring they hold their shape during the slow-cooking process. The milk, onion, and garlic further enhance the overall flavor profile, making this dish truly irresistible.
Instructions
- Mix the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate, being careful not to crowd them.
- Sear the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the meatballs on all sides until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the juices and develop a delicious caramelized crust. Transfer the seared meatballs to the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Add the Weenies: Gently place the cocktail weenies on top of the meatballs and sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the meatballs and weenies onto plates or into bowls, making sure to spoon the delicious sauce over the top. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family and friends!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 30 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 30 minutes (high)
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 26 g
• Sodium: 1,425 mg
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
🔄 Make It Your Own: Substitutions and Ideas
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the ground beef and pork with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or soy-based meatless crumbles. Use a dairy-free milk and omit the eggs. For the sauce, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based cream or coconut milk, and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a few teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper into the sauce mixture. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer more heat.
💫 Simple Ways to Elevate the Presentation
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of color and flavor.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a refreshing iced tea for a non-alcoholic option.
🎯 How to Ensure a Smooth Cooking Experience
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the ground meats, are at room temperature before starting the recipe. Cold ingredients can affect the overall texture and cooking time of the dish.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Crockpot: Be sure to preheat your crockpot before adding the ingredients. This will help ensure the meatballs and sauce begin cooking immediately, rather than waiting for the crockpot to come up to temperature.
💾 Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating Tips
• Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Allow the meatballs and weenies to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the frozen or refrigerated meatballs and weenies in a crockpot or saucepan, cover, and heat on low until warmed through, about 30 minutes to an hour for refrigerated leftovers or 1-2 hours for frozen.
🤔 FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen pre-made meatballs for this recipe. Simply skip the step of mixing and forming the meatballs, and add the frozen meatballs directly to the crockpot. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as the frozen meatballs may require less time to heat through.
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of weenies?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cocktail weenies with other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even Polish sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different sausages may require varying amounts of time to heat through and become tender.
How can I make this dish extra saucy?
If you prefer a more saucy meatballs and weenies dish, you can increase the amount of sauce ingredients. Try adding an extra can of cream of mushroom soup and an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth. This will create a thicker, more abundant sauce to coat the meatballs and weenies.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the crockpot along with the meatballs and weenies. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This meatballs and weenies crockpot dish is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the meatballs and assemble the entire dish up to 2 days in advance, then simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. When ready to serve, transfer the chilled dish to the crockpot and cook as directed.
🍽️ Before You Take That First Bite
Get ready to experience a culinary delight that will transport you to a world of cozy, comforting goodness. This meatballs and weenies crockpot recipe is a true masterpiece, where the flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re serving it as the main course for a family gathering or enjoying it as a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So, grab a spoon, dive in, and savor every bite of this irresistible masterpiece.
Bon appétit!
The Ultimate Meatballs and Weenies Crockpot: A Cozy, Flavorful Delight!
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in tough meatballs.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate, being careful not to crowd them.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the meatballs on all sides until they're golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the juices and develop a delicious caramelized crust. Transfer the seared meatballs to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Gently place the cocktail weenies on top of the meatballs and sauce in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Ladle the meatballs and weenies onto plates or into bowls, making sure to spoon the delicious sauce over the top. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family and friends!
