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Comforting Triple Crockpot Meatball Bar Recipe with 3 Easy Sauces

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A comforting and versatile triple crockpot meatball bar featuring three distinct sauces—marinara, Swedish gravy, and BBQ—that’s perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 40-45 total. Place on a baking sheet.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat with oil, about 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
  4. Prepare the marinara sauce: In crockpot #1, pour marinara sauce, add red pepper flakes and oregano, stir, then nestle one-third of the meatballs into the sauce. Cook on low for 4 hours.
  5. Prepare the Swedish gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to simmer. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper. Transfer to crockpot #2, add one-third of the meatballs, cook on low for 4 hours.
  6. Prepare the BBQ sauce: In crockpot #3, mix BBQ sauce with honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Add remaining meatballs, toss gently to coat, cook on low for 4 hours.
  7. After cooking, check meatballs for doneness. If sauce is too thick, add water or broth to loosen. Transfer crockpots to serving area for guests to build their plates.

Notes

Optional browning of meatballs adds flavor and texture. Use room temperature eggs and milk for better binding. Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep them tender. Adjust sauce thickness as needed. If short on crockpots, cook sauces and meatballs sequentially and keep warm in a low oven. Use non-stick liners for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, crockpot, slow cooker, marinara sauce, Swedish gravy, BBQ sauce, easy dinner, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/comforting-triple-crockpot-meatball-bar-recipe-with-3-easy-sauces/