Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs packed with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley and garlic in a delicious marinara sauce! They work well for dinner served over pasta, a holiday party or a potluck!
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24-26
Ingredients
Meatballs:
  • 2 pounds meatloaf meat mix (beef, pork, veal combo) OR use all ground beef*
  • ¼ cup onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce:
  • 2 (24 ounce) cans Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can Tuttorosso tomato paste
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Extra:
  • Fresh parsley for serving, optional
  • Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
*Can use 1 bag frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
Instructions
  1. Mix meat, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt and pepper to taste, and cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined.
  2. Form into 1-2 inch meatballs. Mine made a little over 2 dozen.
  3. Lightly grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper/silicone baking mat. Broil meatballs on high until browned on each side. About 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Add meatballs to slow cooker/crock pot.
  5. Mix sauce ingredients together in a bowl until combined and pour over the meatballs. Stir carefully until meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
  6. Cook on low for 4 hours.
  7. Add additional seasoning, if needed. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and/or Parmesan cheese for serving, if desired. If serving at a party/potluck, keep slow cooker on warm setting.
Recipe by Wishes and Dishes at https://wishesndishes.com/crock-pot-italian-meatballs/