Hearty Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs with Lebanese Green Beans
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs offer an incredibly easy and flavorful dinner solution, brimming with the warm, aromatic spices of the Mediterranean. These tender beef meatballs, infused with classic Middle Eastern flavors, are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savory Lebanese green bean (Lubee) sauce. The result is a comforting, hands-off meal that delivers a perfect blend of tastes, making weeknight dinners effortless and delicious, especially when served alongside fluffy rice.
One of the greatest joys in cooking is sharing authentic family recipes, especially those passed down through generations. My Lebanese heritage has deeply influenced my culinary journey, fostering a profound appreciation for the rich flavors, unique ingredients, and captivating spices of the Middle East. Today’s recipe for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs is a loving adaptation, a creative fusion of traditional dishes reimagined for the convenience of modern cooking.
While my Lebanese Grandma might not have used a slow cooker for her famous Lebanese Green Beans (Lubee), embracing a few shortcuts can make these incredible flavors accessible even on the busiest days. With school in full swing and schedules packed, we all need a little help in the kitchen, and this crockpot rendition delivers without compromising on taste.
This recipe marries the vibrant spice blend typically found in Kibbeh – a cornerstone of Lebanese cuisine – with hearty beef to create succulent meatballs. The harmonious combination of cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne pepper lends a distinct, irresistible warmth to every bite. These flavorful meatballs then simmer gently in a robust sauce of Lebanese green beans (Lubee), which features frozen green beans, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, and more of those comforting, warm spices.
As these Mediterranean meatballs slowly cook throughout the day, your home will be filled with an absolutely incredible aroma, instantly transporting you back to cherished family kitchens. It’s a scent that evokes nostalgia and promises a deeply satisfying meal.
If you enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern beef, you might also love my Beef Kafta Kabobs, Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet, or these savory Lebanese Meat Pies. These recipes highlight the versatility and deliciousness of beef in Mediterranean and Lebanese cooking.
Why You Will Love These Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for convenience and maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why these slow cooker beef meatballs will become a new family favorite:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. After a quick prep of the Lebanese green bean sauce in your crockpot and forming the spiced meatballs, you simply let your slow cooker do all the work. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, allowing you to go about your day while a fragrant, hearty meal cooks itself.
- Minimal Clean-up: Cooking in a slow cooker often means fewer dishes, and this recipe is no exception. With most of the magic happening in one pot, your clean-up will be a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your evening. Plus, slow cooking is a fantastic option during warmer months as it doesn’t heat up your kitchen like an oven would.
- Excellent for Meal Prep & Freezing: These Mediterranean beef meatballs are incredibly versatile and freeze wonderfully. They are ideal for future meals or for stocking up your freezer for those days when cooking isn’t an option. Once cooled completely, simply portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, ready to be reheated for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Rich, Authentic Flavors: The combination of traditional Mediterranean spices and the hearty Lebanese green bean sauce creates a deeply satisfying and authentic taste experience. It’s a taste of home, even if it’s not the home you grew up in.
- Wholesome and Comforting: Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, this dish is not only delicious but also a wholesome and comforting meal that will nourish your family.
Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Meatballs
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious slow cooker meal. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need. For exact amounts and printable instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: We use 1 pound of ground beef for the meatballs. I highly recommend an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat content is crucial here, as it helps the meatballs retain their moisture, tenderness, and shape during the long cooking process, preventing them from drying out.
- Mediterranean Spices: The unique flavor of these meatballs comes from a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices: cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth. This combination is what gives the meatballs their distinctive aromatic profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together and preventing them from crumbling while they simmer in the sauce. They also contribute to the tender texture of the meatballs.
- Fresh Herbs: Finely minced fresh parsley is incorporated into the meatballs, adding a bright, herbaceous note that complements the warm spices. You can also experiment with a little fresh mint or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil in the meatball mixture ensures they remain moist and helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- Lebanese Green Beans (Lubee) Base: This flavorful sauce is made from essential pantry staples:
- Frozen Green Beans: Convenient and readily available, they form the vegetable core of the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These create the rich, tangy base of the stew, providing depth and liquid for the slow cooking process.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatic foundational ingredients that build the savory flavor profile of the green bean sauce.
- Additional Spices: Cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper are added to the sauce as well, mirroring the flavors in the meatballs and tying the entire dish together.
How to Make These Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs
Preparing this flavorful dish is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and easy meal:
- Step 1: Prepare the Green Bean Base in the Crockpot: Begin by pouring the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce directly into your slow cooker. Add the specified amounts of cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined, creating a fragrant base. Next, add the frozen green beans, diced onions, and minced garlic to the pot, mixing everything well to ensure the green beans and aromatics are coated in the spiced tomato mixture.
- Step 2: Craft the Meatball Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the dry spices for the meatballs: cumin, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the finely minced fresh parsley, plain breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Mix these dry ingredients and liquids together before adding the star ingredient—the ground beef. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
- Step 3: Form and Place Meatballs: Take small portions of the beef mixture and roll them into uniform 1-inch meatballs. Carefully place these formed meatballs into the slow cooker, arranging them amongst the green bean sauce. Try to submerge them as much as possible under the tomato liquid, ensuring they cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
- Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for approximately 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, cook on the HIGH setting for about 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meatballs to become incredibly tender.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish your Mediterranean Beef Meatballs with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this hearty dish generously over a bed of fluffy rice, with warm pita bread on the side, and a dollop of cool, creamy yogurt to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is excellent for meal planning and ensures you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals on hand. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs and their sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat them in an oven set to a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until thoroughly warm, which helps prevent them from drying out. A microwave can also be used for quick reheating.
Freezing for Longer Storage: These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bags to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the methods described above. This makes for a perfect make-ahead dinner option or a convenient lunch during a busy week.
Expert Tips and Variations for Your Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Even Sized Meatballs: Try to make your meatballs roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. A small cookie scoop can be helpful here.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. For more spice, add a little extra; for less, reduce or omit it. You can also play with other Mediterranean spices like a pinch of dried oregano or marjoram.
- Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Consider adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the slow cooker alongside the green beans.
- Different Meats: While beef is traditional, you could experiment with ground lamb or a mixture of beef and lamb for a different flavor profile. Ground turkey or chicken could also work for a lighter option, though the fat content might require slight adjustments to ensure juiciness.
- Fresh Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, you might want to blanch them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker, or simply cook them for the longer duration on low to ensure they become tender.
Serving Suggestions
These Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Rice: A classic pairing, fluffy basmati or jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up the meatballs and sauce.
- Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or labneh (strained yogurt) provides a cooling contrast to the rich, spiced sauce.
- Couscous or Quinoa: For a lighter, healthier alternative to rice.
- Salad: A simple side salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes or cauliflower would also be a great addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can! Brown the meatballs in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the green bean sauce ingredients. Simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The flavors won’t be as deeply developed as with slow cooking, but it’s a good alternative for when you’re short on time.
- What if I don’t have allspice?
- Allspice is a key flavor in Mediterranean cuisine. If you don’t have it, you can try a small pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
- Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, simply trim them and add them to the slow cooker as instructed. They might be slightly firmer than frozen green beans after cooking but will still be delicious.
- How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
- Using an 80/20 ground beef ratio helps, as the fat keeps them moist. Ensure you don’t overmix the meatball mixture, and the breadcrumbs act as a binder. Once placed in the sauce, try not to stir too vigorously during the first few hours of cooking.
- Is this dish spicy?
- The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preference. As written, it provides a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. Feel free to increase it for more spice or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
More Delicious Meatball Recipes
Slow Cooker
Crockpot Turkey Meatballs
Pork
Pork Meatballs
Chicken
Air Fryer Meatballs
Beef
Greek Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Meatballs with Lebanese Green Beans
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Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Beef Meatballs:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, minced
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef {80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended}
For the Lebanese Green Beans:
- 2 – 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 – 14.5 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 1 pound frozen green beans
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
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Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into your slow cooker. Add the cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, then stir until well combined. Incorporate the frozen green beans, diced onions, and minced garlic, mixing well.
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In a large bowl, combine the beef meatball spices: cumin, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, along with fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Mix these dry ingredients and liquids before adding the ground beef. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined.
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Form the beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs and carefully place them into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged under the tomato sauce for even cooking.
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Cook the meatballs and green beans on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your flavorful Mediterranean meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice, accompanied by warm pita bread and creamy yogurt.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Many thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for their sponsorship of today’s post! As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own. Your support for the brands that help make A Cedar Spoon possible is greatly appreciated.