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Slow Cooker Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

ender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce right in the slow cooker — a family favorite that’s perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or mix with pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 small onion grated
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parmesan, seasoning, and parsley in a bowl.
    Ground beef mixture with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and parmesan for slow cooker meatballs
  2. Shape into meatballs.
  3. Brown meatballs in a skillet (optional).
    Meatballs searing in skillet before slow cooking
  4. Add tomatoes, sauce, olive oil, sugar, and seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir.
    Tomato sauce base poured into slow cooker for meatballs
  5. Place meatballs into the sauce. Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours.
    Tender meatballs in tomato sauce ready to serve from slow cooker
  6. Serve over pasta, in subs, or with bread.
    Raw meatballs placed in tomato sauce in slow cooker

Notes

Brown the meatballs for extra flavor, or skip to save time. Add fresh basil before serving for brightness.