The slow cooker is a glorious kitchen saver on a wet and rainy day. When I planned today’s menu, I had no idea it was going to rain, especially since we’ve had such beautiful sunny weather the past few days.  It’s days like this where you don’t feel like doing much but curling up under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and watching a classic movie or reading a book that your slow cooker comes in handy.

The meatballs can be made the night before as discussed in our meal planning and placed covered in the refrigerator. Stuffing mix makes a great alternative to the bread crumbs and oats. It’s all a matter of what you have stocked in your pantry and what happens to be on sale at the grocery store. Remember to always keep your pantry stocked with everyday ingredients and have a list handy to write down what you may need on your next grocery trip. Keep an eye out on the store ads for extra savings.

As we begin our week of busy night meals, we start off with Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs. These served with Steamed Stir-Fry Veggies and Rice make a wonderful meal for your family. These also make a great appetizer at a party.

We start off with 1/4 pound  Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey Meat

Next, we add 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup quick oats and 1 egg

Add 1/4 cup Teriyaki Sauce and mix together with fingers until all ingredients are incorporated. Shape into tiny size meatballs. Recipe Note: I like to use my small scoop, makes the perfect size for kids and they all cook evenly.

 Heat just a little bit ofoil, about 1/2 teaspoon in a large skillet and place meatballs gently in. Carefully not to crowd for easy turning.

Carefully rotate meatballs in skillet to lightly brown on all sides, drain and place in slow cooker on low setting. Continue until all meatballs are finished. Meatballs will continue to cook in slow cooker. Once in slow cooker add Teriyaki Glaze Sauce and simmer for 4-6 hours.

Teriyaki Glaze

1 Cup Teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons mustard

2 Tablespoon Seasame oil

Directions:

Mix ingredients together and pour over meatballs. Stir to coat meatballs carefully. Serve with Steamed Stir-FryVeggies and Rice.

Feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, share comments and your experiences with Menu Planning for your family.

As always, my quick and easy recipes for Busy Moms can be found on my website Noel’s Kitchen Tips.
 
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