The duration required to cook pre-made, frozen spheres of seasoned ground meat in a slow cooker is a critical factor in achieving optimal texture and flavor. Overcooking can lead to dryness, while insufficient cooking may result in an undesirable texture and potential food safety concerns. The specific time frame depends on the slow cooker’s settings (low or high) and the size of the meatballs. For instance, smaller meatballs will require less time than larger ones.
Employing a slow cooker for this preparation offers several advantages. It provides a convenient, hands-off method for cooking, allowing flavors to meld and deepen over time. This slow and gentle cooking process also helps tenderize the meatballs, resulting in a more palatable final product. Historically, slow cooking methods have been utilized to tenderize tougher cuts of meat; this principle is now applied to pre-formed meat products for convenience and enhanced flavor.