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Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe delivers classic Italian comfort food perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef and pork blend
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Sauce

  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: Combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped garlic, onion, fresh parsley, basil, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to blend gently but thoroughly, ensuring even distribution without overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into even balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate to prevent sticking and for easy transfer.
  3. Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce: Pour crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir in Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful sauce base.
  4. Add Meatballs to the Sauce: Nestle the formed meatballs carefully into the sauce without overcrowding. Avoid stirring to keep meatballs intact while cooking.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Low and slow cooking yields the juiciest, most tender meatballs as they absorb the sauce’s richness.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: When meatballs are cooked through and tender, gently scoop them out and serve with your choice of sides or pasta. Spoon extra sauce over the top for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and basil for brighter flavor compared to dried herbs.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
  • Browning meatballs before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor.
  • Check and adjust sauce seasoning before adding meatballs.
  • Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Italian meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner, tomato sauce, family meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-italian-meatballs/