Description
This Crockpot Meatballs recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Prepared with lean ground beef, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are slow-cooked to perfection, making them an ideal comfort food meal to serve over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- â…“ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, diced onion, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly but gently. Using a tablespoon, form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs. Place the uncooked meatballs evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate large bowl, mix together the canned diced tomatoes (including juices), pasta or marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Cook the meatballs: Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Carefully spoon the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta of your choice and serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but maintain tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook it uncovered during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can prepare meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate to enhance flavors before slow cooking.
- Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra garnish and flavor.
