This post is sponsored by The Ohio Pork Council, although the opinions and thoughts are my own.
Looking for a tasty and effortless dinner option? Try this simple Crockpot Pork Meatball Subs Recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and ingredients.
Hey there, busy parents and food enthusiasts! As the back-to-school season is upon us, I know you’re all searching for quick, delicious, and stress-free meal options to fuel your family through those hectic weekday evenings. Look no further because I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: Crockpot Pork Meatball Subs!
Why Crockpot Meatball Subs are Your Back-to-School Best Friend
Let’s face it, juggling school schedules, homework, extracurricular activities, and meal prep can feel like a never-ending marathon. That’s where the beauty of this crockpot recipe comes in. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it wonder that allows you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal waiting for them after a long day?
The Star of the Show: Ground Pork
Now, let’s talk about the star ingredient in this recipe: ground pork. As a proud partner of The Ohio Pork Council, I’m thrilled to highlight the incredible benefits of incorporating pork into your family’s diet.
Pork is delicious and packed with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a lean and versatile protein that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Meal Prep This Crockpot Meatball Sub Recipe Like a Pro
Want to make your weeknights even easier? Prepare a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for later.
After browning the meatballs, let them cool slightly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use them, simply place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot with the sauce and cook on low until heated through.
- Excellent Source of Protein: Pork is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs but cannot produce on its own. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting a healthy immune system.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Pork is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients are vital in energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation.
- Versatile and Delicious: Pork is versatile and can be prepared in countless ways, from grilling and roasting to slow cooking and stir-frying. It’s a flavorful and satisfying protein that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
As you can see, pork has a lot to offer in terms of nutrition and taste. So, next time you’re planning your meals, don’t hesitate to include this delicious and nutritious protein source.
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce.
- Feel free to customize your subs with your favorite toppings, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make it a party! Set up a DIY meatball sub bar with various toppings and let everyone create their own masterpiece.
There you have it, folks! A simple, delicious, and family-friendly Crockpot Pork Meatball Sub Recipe that will make your back-to-school season a breeze. With its incredible flavor, convenience, and nutritional benefits, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground pork, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use.
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
Yes, these meatball subs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Of course! If you have a favorite homemade marinara sauce recipe, feel free to use it instead of store-bought.
Similar Recipes
If you like this Crockpot Meatball Sub recipe, you will enjoy the recipes below:
- Grilled Italian Meatball Burger
- Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
- One-Pan Meatball Pizza Skillet Dish
- Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Meatballs
Easy Crockpot Pork Meatball Sub Recipe
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
This Easy Crockpot Pork Meatball Sub Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 tsp. Olive oil
- 1 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Onion powder
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Black pepper
- 1 tsp. Dried oregano
- 1 tsp. Dried basil
- 1 egg, slightly whisked
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4–6 mini hoagie buns
Garlic Spread
- 4 tbsp. Salted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp. Oregano, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. Basil, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Dash of garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and whisked egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to your crockpot.
- Pour the marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients of the garlic spread and mix until well combined.
- To assemble your subs, split the hoagie buns and spread the garlic butter on the inside. Toast in a heated skillet.
- Place about 2 meatballs and sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and the top bun.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
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