I need crock pot meatball help!

**AnW819** · 08-11-2010, 12:29 AM

I am making meatballs in the crock pot for my birthday!

Here is what I normally do. Take the meat, and egg, breadcrumbs and spices. Mix. Roll in balls. Put in oven til brown and throw in crock pot and cover with Ragu. I cook it on high for like 5 hours.

They fall apart and the sauce separates (I have tried other sauces).

So obviously I need major crock pot meatball help!! I need the step by step. The exacts. What kinda sauce do you use? Whats in your meatballs? How many minutes do you put in oven and then cook?

Thanks!!!!!!

**Libby** · 08-11-2010, 02:15 AM

I, personally have not done this but, have you tried cooking the meatballs 100% through to well done in the oven before adding to the sauce? Your sauce should already be hot before adding meatballs.

I think the separation you see is the fat from the meatballs floating on top of the sauce b/c the meat isn't 100% cooked and its fat/juices are flowing out. I suggest scooping out the fat/oil that floats on top and stir the pot. Do this a couple of times before serving

**Josephhgoins** · 08-11-2010, 09:38 AM

I agree with libby.

Although, I would suggest cooking the meat balls done in the oven and then just before serving placing them in the crock pot with the warm sauce.

Another option is to add more fillers that would soak up the fat so that it can't be released into the sauce or buying a higher grade of burger that has less fat to begin with.

**Mom2-3** · 08-11-2010, 10:37 AM

I have always put the raw meatballs in the sauce in the crockpot. Just make sure you cook all the way through. lol

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-11-2010, 10:52 AM

Adding a 2nd egg will help too.

**jas** · 08-11-2010, 01:39 PM

agree with all posts. I cook them first in the oven and then put in with the sauce that has been in the crockpot. If I am using frozen ones I would put them in from the start.

**AnW819** · 08-11-2010, 03:53 PM

Thanks all!

**lisaflex** · 08-11-2010, 05:11 PM

the best meatballs are baked in the oven imo....then, after sauce has simmered most of the day, add them just to warm through.

i use turkey and veal meat for my mtbls. frsh parsley, eggs, milk, brd crumbs and some frsh smashed garlic cloves, grated frsh romano cheese and blck pepper. before i bake them, i put a bit of water (just sprinkled w/ my finger tips) and then bake at 275 for about 20 minutes.

i dont use jar sauce as i am an italian girl!! lol. i make my own and it simmers ALL day long! neve done it in the cp