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: Ashley
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
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.
Form into 1-2 inch meatballs. Mine made a little over 2 dozen.
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.
Mix sauce ingredients together in a bowl until combined and pour over the meatballs. Stir carefully until meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
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/