A game-day classic, rich and crowd-ready. These savory meatballs feature the distinct, buttery flavor of HeartBrand® Certified Akaushi Beef® ground beef and will have everyone asking for seconds. Experience the melt-in-your-mouth richness of premium HeartBrand Beef in a simple, slow-cooked appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
- 2 pounds HeartBrand Certified Akaushi Beef® Ground Beef
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce (or BBQ sauce for a game-day twist)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the HeartBrand Wagyu ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to ensure a tender texture.
- Shape: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball). This recipe should yield approximately 24-30 meatballs.
- Sear (Optional but Recommended): For extra depth of flavor, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sauce and Combine: Pour your chosen marinara or BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for optimal food safety.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give the meatballs a gentle stir to coat them in the warm sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve: Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks for an easy appetizer, or over hoagie rolls for a hearty game-day sub.
Ready to create this masterpiece at home?
Bring the flavor to your table with HeartBrand Certified Akaushi Beef® Ground Beef.
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