Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe

Mak Erot

2 min read

·

Apr 05, 2025

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Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner

Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This slow cooker meatball recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this comforting and satisfying dish!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes approximately 30 meatballs, perfect for serving 4-6 people. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities depending on your needs.

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned is best!)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Sauce:

  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Lightly grease your slow cooker.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

1. Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, sugar, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
• Spoon the meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty meal.
• Enjoy the meatballs on their own with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a little heat.
• Cheese please!: Stuff a small piece of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before cooking for an extra cheesy treat.
• Make it ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Freezing option: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.

This slow cooker meatball recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!