Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs: Easy Homemade Recipe

Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs: A Comforting Classic

Transform your family dinners with these Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs! Tender, flavorful, and simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served over pasta, on a sub roll, or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are a must-try.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this comforting dish (serves 4-6):

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Sauce:

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Sear the Meatballs (Optional)

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In the slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well mixed.

4. Add the Meatballs to the Slow Cooker

Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Serve over spaghetti, in a hoagie roll, or alongside a simple salad and garlic bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it perfect for busy days.
Rich Flavor: The slow simmering process develops deep, authentic Italian flavors.
Versatile: Serve these meatballs in a variety of ways to suit any occasion.

Variations and Substitutions

Make It Spicy

Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick of heat.

Keto-Friendly Option

Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour to make the meatballs low-carb.

Vegetarian Version

Use plant-based meat alternatives and adjust seasonings as needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can result in dense meatballs.
Searing for Flavor: While optional, browning the meatballs adds a layer of complexity to the dish.
Taste the Sauce: Adjust the seasoning in the sauce to your preference before adding the meatballs.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks

A full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the richness of the meatballs.
For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice.