Description
This comforting recipe for Meatballs in the Crock Pot features tender, flavorful meatballs slow-cooked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these meatballs can be served over pasta, in sandwiches, or enjoyed as delicious appetizers. The slow cooking method ensures juicy meatballs infused with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- Optional: ½ cup diced onion
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and arrange them on a plate or baking sheet to prep for cooking.
- Optional Browning Step: For firmer meatballs with extra flavor, heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely golden. This step also helps the meatballs hold their shape during slow cooking.
- Place Meatballs in Crock Pot: Transfer the meatballs to the crock pot and pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all meatballs are covered. Add diced onion if using for enhanced flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over pasta, inside sub rolls for sandwiches, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving.
Notes
- You can freeze both uncooked or cooked meatballs for convenient future meals.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture if you like some heat.
- For a cheesy surprise, insert small mozzarella cubes inside each meatball before cooking.
