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cozy bavarian meatball dinner

Slow Cooker Bavarian Meatballs

These savory-sweet Bavarian meatballs simmer in a rich beer sauce until tender and flavorful. Served on hoagie rolls with melted Swiss cheese, they create a hearty, comforting meal perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package frozen precooked Italian-style meatballs, thawed about 38 meatballs
  • 12 hoagie rolls split
  • 1 (12 ounce) can beer or non-alcoholic beer
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 3 cups Swiss cheese shredded (12 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope onion soup mix

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Broiler
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Combine thawed meatballs and chopped onion in your slow cooker.
  2. Add brown sugar, onion soup mix, and beer to the slow cooker.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 4½ hours, until meatballs are heated through and sauce has thickened.
  4. When ready to serve, place 6 meatballs on each hoagie roll bottom.
  5. Sprinkle each with ¼ cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
  6. Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper flavor, try using a dark German beer in this recipe. If serving for a crowd, you can keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker and let guests assemble their own sandwiches.
These meatballs can also be served over mashed potatoes for a gluten-free option. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days and the flavor actually improves overnight.