Lazy Day {Slow Cooker} Meatballs

Think homemade meatballs are hard?  Think again!

These slow cooker meatballs can be tackled by even the non-cook.

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Talk about a lazy weekend.

Since our family had an incredibly hard day on Friday, we laid low most of the weekend.  The husband still worked, but we just tried to enjoy our time together as a family.

Yesterday, with us both home, we mutually decided on a 'family day'.  It was bone-chilling cold out, but we thought it would do us good to get out of the house and do something.  We loaded up the kids and drove to Iowa City.  Our first stop was to Petco, for some much needed and overdue toys for our golden retriever.  She needed some cheering up!

The kiddos LOVED seeing the baby kittens, frogs, hamsters, birds, turtles.....the list is endless.  We could have spent hours in there.  We then headed to lunch to one of our favorite Mexican joints.  You know, it's funny, both the husband and I commented on how well the kids behaved at lunch.  We rarely go out to eat, so when we do it is a huge treat for them.  I honestly think that is why they almost always behave so well at restaurants.

The trip ended with ice cream and this mom being brave giving both of them a vanilla shake in the backseat.  Let's just say it might have ended in tears for the little miss and me hunched over with baby wipes trying to clean up her mess.



We promptly came home, tucked in both kids for a late afternoon nap and both hit the couch ourselves.  I cannot remember the last time all four of us, napped at the same time.  It was delightful.

And to end the night with watching The Bachelor?  Perfect day.

Kinda like these meatballs.  Perfect.  They simmered away all day in this crock pot {my favorite!} so literally it required no work.

These little meat suckers are also being featured on the Quad City Mom's Blog today.  I contribute a couple recipes a month for them and somehow they have landed on the same day.  Double bonus!

Assemble these the night before or in the morning and you'll have a glorious meal at night.  So easy and simple!

And did I mention it will make your house smell fantastic?  All. day. long.

Lazy Day {Slow Cooker} Meatballs

{Print this Recipe!}

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork or pork sausage
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. breadcrumbs
3 T. fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
2 t. minced garlic
2 T. olive oil

Sauce {homemade or jarred sauce is fine too}
28 oz. tomatoes, drained
28 oz. tomato puree
1 t. dried basil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
1/2 t. salt

1.  Combine meat ingredients and stir until just combined. Form into 24-30 meatballs, depending on size. 

2.  In a large slow cooker, combine all sauce ingredients, then add in meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

3.  Serve over pasta or on hoagie buns as meatball subs.

Day 2?  Because trust me, you'll have leftover meatballs.....turn them into meatballs subs.  Your family will love you forever.

Well, they better love you forever anyway.

Especially if you cook as much as I do.