meatballs crock pot recipe

meatballs crock pot recipe

The Best meatballs crock pot recipe

I’ve always been a fan of meatballs, and when I discovered this crock pot recipe, I knew I had to try it. The idea of cooking meatballs in a slow cooker all day sounded perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

I mean, who doesn’t love the convenience of throwing all the ingredients into one pot and letting the crock do the work? But what really drew me in was the flavor – the combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs is a classic for a reason.

And let’s not forget the sauce – tangy ketchup, rich beef broth, and a hint of Worcestershire give it just the right depth of flavor. As I browned the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the crock, I couldn’t help but think about how much my family was going to love this dish.

And as we sat down to eat that night, I was thrilled to see everyone raving about how tender and flavorful they were. My kids devoured them in seconds, and my husband even asked for seconds (which is always a good sign).

It’s since become a staple in our household – whether we’re having it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion like game day or holidays. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make – just throw everything into the crock and let it do its magic. No fuss, no muss – just delicious meatballs every time.

Crock Pot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Crock Pot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

4.8 from 617 votes

Tender, flavorful meatballs slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal with pasta or as an appetizer.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3Using a small scoop or spoon, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet, and set aside.
5In the crock pot, combine tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7Place the meatballs in the crock pot, submerging them in the sauce.
8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
9The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
10Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the crock pot using a slotted spoon.
11Serve the meatballs hot with the tomato sauce spooned over the top.
12Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Crock pot
Meatball size scooper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Works

This recipe has been a lifesaver for us on busy weeknights – just throw everything into the crock pot and come home to tender, flavorful meatballs ready for dinner. And let’s not forget about leftovers – which are just as delicious reheated as they are fresh out of the crock!

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat as desired by microwaving individual portions or baking them with some extra sauce until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Q: What kind of meat should I use for this recipe?

This recipe calls for a combination of ground beef and pork – but feel free to use whatever ratio you prefer! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute some or all of the beef with turkey or chicken.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own?

While store-bought marinara can be convenient, I highly recommend taking the time to make your own sauce from scratch. It adds so much more depth and richness to the dish – but if you’re short on time, go ahead and use what you have on hand.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming too dry?

A few tips will keep them nice and moist: make sure they’re not overcooked, add some moisture with extra tomato paste or red wine if needed.

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs for later?

Yes! Simply portion them out into individual servings and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs?

I recommend reheating them in the crock pot with some extra sauce until warmed through – or you can also bake them in the oven with some additional marinara for an easy dinner prep.

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