If you are craving comfort food that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfies every bite, this Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining hearty ground beef and pork with the perfect blend of herbs, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, these meatballs slow-cook to juicy, tender perfection. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or want a simple weeknight meal to come home to, this recipe delivers robust flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from adding depth and seasoning to ensuring tender meatballs that absorb the luscious sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich flavor and juiciness to the meatballs.
- 1 pound ground pork: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness balancing the beef.
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and keeps the texture light.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, savory note and adds complexity to the meat mixture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder holding everything together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and a mild herbaceous lift.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a slight bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors (adjust to taste).
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Pepper (to taste): For pleasant heat and balance.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The hearty base of the slow-cooker sauce with rich, tangy sweetness.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth body and more tomato flavor.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar: Balances acidity in the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb enhancing the sauce complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and harmony.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- Fresh basil, cooked pasta (optional): Perfect finishing touches to elevate your presentation and serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining all your sauce ingredients—the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried herbs, spices, and salt—directly in your slow cooker. Stir well to marry the flavors and create that rich base that will gently simmer throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, place the ground beef, ground pork, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, parsley, minced garlic, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep your meatballs tender. Once combined, shape the mixture into about 20 evenly sized, two-inch meatballs. This size lets them cook through beautifully without drying out.
Step 3: Arrange Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Place the meatballs carefully into the slow cooker with your prepared sauce. It’s perfectly fine if they overlap a little; slow cooking will ensure even cooking without drying out. Gently spoon more sauce over the top of the meatballs to cover them well, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The slow heat will develop flavor and tenderness, resulting in juicy meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. Make sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F for safe consumption.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. You can sprinkle additional fresh parmesan or chopped fresh basil at this point for a vibrant finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are your best friends here. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to brighten the dish and bring a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. A grating of parmesan cheese on top adds that irresistible finishing touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe pairs incredibly well with classic cooked pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve them over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad are the perfect side to balance the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving meatballs on skewers as appetizers with extra sauce for dipping. Or twist it up by stuffing meatballs into toasted sub rolls with melted mozzarella for meatball sliders. The versatility of this recipe means you can get playful and tailor it to your occasion effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs and sauce are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your second serving even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooked meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy an easy meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef or only ground pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using one type of ground meat will still yield tasty meatballs, but combining beef and pork adds a richer flavor and juicier texture. Feel free to adapt based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?
No problem. You can use plain breadcrumbs and add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or oregano to the meatball mixture to maintain those classic flavors.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
With this recipe, browning is optional. Slow cooking the meatballs directly in the sauce allows the flavors to meld nicely and keeps the process simpler. If you have time and want extra caramelized flavor, feel free to brown them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I make the sauce from scratch instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes! Using fresh tomatoes and homemade sauce ingredients can be delicious, but canned crushed tomatoes and sauce are convenient and provide a consistent rich taste perfect for slow cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The safest way is using a meat thermometer. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe has quickly become a household favorite for good reason. The simplicity of preparation combined with the deep, comforting flavors makes it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Invite friends or family over, slow cook these meatballs, and watch as the warm, inviting scent fills your home before a meal everyone raves about. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll have a new go-to recipe for busy days and cozy nights.
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Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (assuming high setting)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Slow Cooker Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy, hands-off meal. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italian herbs, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are ideal served over pasta or enjoyed on their own with fresh basil garnish.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ more for serving)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Optional for Serving
- Fresh basil
- Cooked pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all the sauce ingredients well.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Using your hands, mix gently until just combined, taking care not to over-mix or pack the meat too tightly. Form the mixture into about 20 meatballs, each about 2 inches in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce. It’s okay if some meatballs overlap. Spoon some sauce over the top to ensure meatballs are well covered. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with cooked pasta or as desired. Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- The cooking time can be adjusted based on your slow cooker temperature settings.
- Internal temperature of meatballs should reach at least 160°F to ensure they are cooked safely.
- Optional fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese enhance flavor when serving.
