Slowcooker Meatball Subs

Messaging below is intended for ages 21+ and is intended to be enjoyed responsibly, in moderation: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeersAndBuns #CollectiveBiasIt is officially that time of year when sports are at the top of everyone’s list. I have partnered with Pepperidge Farm® and Kroger to bring you a great new recipe that is perfect for those game day get togethers with family and friends!

Meatball subs are definitely a crowd pleaser and as much as I love them, I wanted to avoid the overly sauced, too salty and too sweet versions that seem to be everywhere. So I created these simple meatballs that are virtually hands free! A few ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker and voila! Done! These are wonderfully saucy without being a mess and the flavor is definitely family friendly; not too spicy or too strong. Served on Pepperidge Farm Sweet & Soft buns, they are positively irresistible. I shopped for all my ingredients at Kroger and everything was easy to find. The bread aisle carries all kinds of Pepperidge Farm® products, including Bakery Classics Sweet & Soft Slider Buns. I can think of a million different uses for them, whether I’m tailgating or headed on a picnic. But for this recipe, I used the Top Sliced Sweet & Soft Hot Dog Buns. They come already sliced (lifesaver!) and are absolutely perfect for holding meatballs and a layer of melted cheese! The buns are prepared by bakers, done the right way, and you can taste the difference!Did you know that Kroger carries an extensive selection of import beers? True story! I grabbed a pack of Warsteiner to go with my subs and you can be sure you’ll find whatever suits your taste.  In addition Kroger has a website full of Game Day Greats, a collection of tips and ideas to pair up food and drinks with sports fans. It also carries coupons for the products mentioned here so be sure to click on the link and check it out!Slowcooker Meatball Subs
Fans of all ages will be asking for these year round!

2 bags (14 oz each) plain or Italian frozen meatballs
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 c brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 tsp red pepper flakes
sliced provolone cheese
Pepperidge Farm Bakery Classics Sweet & Soft Top Sliced Hot Dog Buns

In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine all ingredients except cheese and buns. Cover and heat on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours. The heating time will vary depending on your brand of meatballs. Stir them occasionally and they are done when hot and bubbly! Carefully spoon meatballs onto the buns (four meatballs fit perfectly!) and place on a lined sheet pan. Top with sliced cheese to your preference and if desired, broil in the oven to melt and toast! This isn’t necessary, but it IS really good! Watch so it doesn’t burn! Remove and enjoy