Crockpot Meatballs

190 mins
Serves 8
https://www.spendwithpennies.com/crockpot-meatballs/

Directions

  1. 1Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. 2Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl.
  3. 3Using a tablespoon, form 24 meatballs.
  4. 4Place uncooked meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. 5Combine all sauce ingredients in a large bowl.
  6. 6Pour over meatballs.
  7. 7Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
  8. 8Serve over pasta.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 0.33 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 0.25 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
  • 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Equipment

6 QT Slow Cooker

Tips

  • No need to brown or pre-cook these meatballs, they cook perfectly tender and juicy right in the slow cooker.
  • Use lean beef in this recipe; a little fat is good for moisture and texture but avoid too much.
  • The meatballs can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. In the morning, add to the slow cooker, pour the sauce on and let the crockpot do the work.
  • Serve over pasta, as a meatball sub, with mashed potatoes, or in a meatball casserole.
  • You can also change up the sauce to BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, mushroom sauce, or honey garlic sauce.