Hey, everyone! Thank you for joining me on this culinary trip suggested by one of our readers, Thomas Tommy.
He recommended trying out Walmart’s Great Value brand frozen meatballs, and I couldn’t resist.
So, I picked up a bag and decided to create a simple yet delicious slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a tasty dinner on a budget with Walmart’s Italian-style meatballs and Hunt’s pasta sauce, all for under $8.
- Let the fully cooked meatballs soak up the sauce for three hours in the slow cooker—effortless and delicious.
- Add sugar for a personalized touch, making the sauce just the right amount of sweet.
- Experience a clean kitchen with slow cooker convenience—no sauce splatters to worry about.
- Customize with extra spices or herbs for a versatile meal that can become a family favorite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
So, how to make spaghetti and meatballs in the slow cooker?
Make slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs by putting Walmart's Italian-style frozen meatballs and two cans of Hunt's pasta sauce in the slow cooker. Cook for three hours, add sugar to taste, and serve over spaghetti. Easy and tasty!Join me as we explore how these Italian-style meatballs turn out in this easy and budget-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of Walmart's Great Value Italian-style frozen meatballs
- 2 cans of Hunt's pasta sauce (Red Ullrich)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Optional: Spaghetti noodles for serving
Instructions
Choosing the Meatballs
Walmart had two types of frozen meatballs – regular and Italian style. I opted for the Italian style to add an extra layer of flavor to our dish.
The ingredients on the bag include beef, water, textured soy protein, and various seasonings. The best part? This whole pot of slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs will cost you about eight dollars.
Setting up the Slow Cooker
- Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Add one can of Hunt's pasta sauce to the meatballs.
- Stir gently to ensure the meatballs are coated with the sauce.
- Pour in the second can of pasta sauce, covering the meatballs evenly.
Keeping it Simple
Since the meatballs are fully cooked, you only need to heat them until they are warmed.
Resist the urge to add extra ingredients for now; we're focusing on the taste test to see how these meatballs fare on their own.
Cooking Time
Set the slow cooker on low and let the meatballs simmer for at least three hours. This gives them enough time to absorb the flavors of the pasta sauce.
Adjusting the Sauce
After three hours, check the sauce's taste. If you find it lacking sweetness, add a couple of spoonfuls of sugar.
Stir well and taste as you go, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
Taste Test
Sauce Splatter Solution
One great advantage of cooking pasta sauce in a slow cooker is that it doesn't splatter all over the place. No mess, no fuss!
Meatball Evaluation
The meatballs, though not overly flavorful on their own, complement the sauce well. They provide a hearty and satisfying base for our spaghetti dish.
Final Dish
Cook up some spaghetti noodles separately and combine them with the saucy meatballs. The result? A simple yet tasty slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs that won't disappoint.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of frozen meatballs?
Yes! Walmart’s Great Value brand, feel free to choose your favorite brand or make your homemade meatballs for a personalized touch.
Why did you choose Italian-style meatballs over regular ones?
The choice of Italian-style meatballs was based on personal preference for added flavor. However, you can experiment with different varieties to suit your taste.
Should I thaw the frozen meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker?
No, there’s no need to thaw the meatballs. The recipe is designed for the convenience of using frozen meatballs directly in the slow cooker.
Can I add additional ingredients to the slow cooker for more flavor?
The blog post kept it simple for a taste test, but feel free to experiment! You can add herbs, spices, or vegetables to customize the dish.
What’s the purpose of adding sugar to the pasta sauce?
The sugar is added to enhance the sweetness of the sauce. This step is optional and can be adjusted based on personal preference. It also helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How long should I cook the meatballs in the slow cooker?
The suggested cooking time is at least three hours on low heat. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the pasta sauce and ensures they are warmed through.
Can I use a different type of pasta sauce?
Certainly! While the blog post used Hunt’s pasta sauce, you can experiment with various brands or make your sauce from scratch.
Are the meatballs flavorful on their own?
The meatballs provide a hearty base, but most of the flavor comes from the pasta sauce. If you prefer a stronger meatball flavor, add seasoning or spices.
Can I cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker with the meatballs?
It’s recommended to cook the pasta separately to ensure the right texture. Combine the cooked pasta with the saucy meatballs just before serving for the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this easy and affordable slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a winner.
The Italian-style meatballs and the Hunt’s pasta sauce create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices, but remember, sometimes simplicity is the key to a delicious meal.
Give it a try and enjoy a hassle-free dinner that will become a family favorite.
Hello! I’m Paula Deen, a mother who loves to create memories in the kitchen. As a kitchen enthusiast, I love to do experiment with different kitchenware for daily recipes. This is my blog, where I’ll share my experience, knowledge, and reviews on various kitchenware and appliances.