Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these incredibly tender and flavorful Vietnamese Crock Pot Meatballs! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic scents that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. These effortless, slow-cooked meatballs are not just a meal, but a journey of taste that combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with the convenience of modern cooking. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cooking enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-15 meatballs depending on your preferred size.
- Lightly spray or grease the interior of your crock pot to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier later.
- Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is partially covered with sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the meatballs to slowly simmer and develop rich flavors.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully check that meatballs are cooked through by cutting one in half. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or rice noodles.
Tips
- For the juiciest meatballs, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to ensure moisture and rich flavor.
- When mixing ingredients, use a light touch to prevent overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough.
- Ensure even sizing of meatballs by using a small ice cream scoop or weighing each portion for consistent cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the tomato sauce before adding to the crock pot.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or a dash of sriracha to the tomato sauce.
- Always check the internal temperature of meatballs to ensure they're fully cooked - 160°F (71°C) is the safe target.
- Let the meatballs rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
