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Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs

This easy crockpot meatballs recipe can be prepared in a slow cooker for a delicious hot meal at the end of the day. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti noodles.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 3052.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining meatball ingredients.
  • 1 Slow Cooker A 6-quart or larger capacity is ideal.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping onion and mincing garlic and parsley.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing aromatics and herbs.
  • 1 Sturdy spoon or spatula For mixing meatball ingredients and stirring sauce.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 ¼ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 28 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 14.25 ounce can tomato puree

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Place ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, and egg in a large bowl. Mix well until evenly combined; shape into 16 meatballs. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Pour spaghetti sauce and crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker; stir in tomato puree. Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
  • Enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider lightly browning the meatballs in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker; this develops a rich, savory crust. Be mindful not to overmix the ground beef mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs – mix just until combined. Freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onion will integrate best. Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and perhaps a pinch of sugar or a bay leaf for depth. Serving with freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan and a chiffonade of basil will elevate the final dish.