Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches

Italian Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches Recipe | Ingredients: Meatballs, Mushroom, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Juice, Mozzarella

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines Italian-style meatballs with a chunky pasta sauce and spicy tomato sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a flavorful and hearty sandwich.

History

The concept of open-faced sandwiches dates back to ancient times, with various cultures around the world creating their own versions of this dish. The idea of using meatballs in sandwiches likely originated in Italy, where meatballs are a popular dish served with pasta or on their own. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic meatball sandwich by cooking the meatballs in a crockpot for a convenient and hands-off cooking method.

Ingredients

24 frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs, thawed (such as Mama Mia brand)
1 (26 oz (737 g)) jar of super chunky mushroom pasta sauce (such as Ragu)
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can of Italian-style tomato sauce (such as Hunt's)
1 (5.5 oz (156 g)) can of spicy tomato juice (such as V8 spicy juice)
6 (6 inches) hoagie rolls, split but not cut through and toasted
1.5 cups (6 oz (170 g)) of shredded mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Combine the first four ingredients in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 4.5 – 5 hours or until slightly thickened.
Spoon the meatball mixture evenly over the rolls.
Sprinkle with cheese.

Variations

Use turkey or vegetarian meatballs for a lighter option.
Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw the frozen meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

- Toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches adds a nice crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced peppers, onions, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the meatballs in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and creates tender, juicy meatballs.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use your favorite brand of meatballs, pasta sauce, and tomato sauce in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the sandwiches with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

These sandwiches pair well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (hoagie rolls).

Summary

Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot Open-faced Meatball Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful and hearty sandwich that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. The idea of combining tender meatballs, savory sauce, and melted cheese on a warm, crusty piece of bread sounded like the ultimate comfort food. I knew I had to learn how to make these crockpot open-faced meatball sandwiches.

I remember the day I first came across the recipe like it was yesterday. I was at a friend's house for a potluck dinner, and one of the guests had brought these incredible meatball sandwiches. The aroma that wafted from the crockpot was divine, and I couldn't resist sneaking a peek at the recipe.

As I watched the hostess prepare the sandwiches, I was amazed at how simple and straightforward the recipe was. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I knew right then and there that I had to make these sandwiches for my own family.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I eagerly copied it down, making sure to note every detail and secret ingredient. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making these delicious sandwiches.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. I formed the meatballs, seasoned them just right, and let them simmer in the savory sauce for hours in the crockpot. The smell that filled my home was intoxicating, and I knew I was onto something special.

As the meatballs cooked, I toasted slices of crusty bread and grated a generous amount of cheese. When everything was ready, I assembled the sandwiches, topping each one with a hearty helping of meatballs and sauce before sprinkling on the melted cheese.

When I served the sandwiches to my family that evening, they couldn't believe how delicious they were. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, the sauce rich and savory, and the melted cheese added the perfect finishing touch. My family devoured the sandwiches, each of them declaring it a new favorite.

From that day on, crockpot open-faced meatball sandwiches became a regular staple in our household. Whenever I made them, my family would gather around the table, eager to dig into the comforting meal. They became a symbol of love and tradition, a recipe that would be passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I have made these sandwiches countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have added a pinch of this, a dash of that, always striving to perfect the dish. And with each batch of meatballs I cook, I am reminded of that fateful day when I first learned the recipe and fell in love with it.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in making these sandwiches as I have. I hope that they will cherish the time spent in the kitchen, the laughter shared around the table, and the memories created with every bite of these delicious crockpot open-faced meatball sandwiches. And I hope that, like me, they will come to treasure this recipe as a beloved family tradition, a connection to the past, and a legacy to be carried on for generations to come.