Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe (Print Version)
Effortless slow cooker meatballs simmered in a rich sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tender meatballs are a family-friendly dinner solution.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Meatball Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
02 -
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
→ Savory Meatball Infusion
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 tsp salt
09 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Rich Tomato Simmer
10 -
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
11 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
12 -
1/2 cup beef broth
13 -
1 tbsp granulated sugar
14 -
1 tsp dried oregano
15 -
1 bay leaf
16 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. This forms the delicious base for your Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe.
02 -
Roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should yield about 24-30 meatballs. Avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender. This step is crucial for your Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe, ensuring even cooking and a great texture.
03 -
In a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the sauce ingredients thoroughly to combine.
04 -
Gently place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker, nestling them into the prepared tomato sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. This arrangement helps infuse flavor throughout your Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe as it cooks.
05 -
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender, and the sauce should be rich, bubbly, and fragrant.
06 -
Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce. These Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe are perfect over your favorite pasta, polenta, or in toasted hoagie rolls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor and a slightly firmer meatball, you can quickly brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds depth.
02 -
Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
03 -
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for the lean ground beef. Adjust cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to prevent drying out.
04 -
Serve these versatile meatballs over your favorite pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or in toasted hoagie rolls for a hearty meatball sub. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
6-quart slow cooker
03 -
Measuring cups
04 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 428 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
Protein: 28 g