spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe

The Best spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe with you all. As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe is a game-changer – it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My kids can’t get enough of the tender meatballs and flavorful sauce, and I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone even noticing. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, with lean protein from the turkey meatballs and plenty of fiber from the whole wheat spaghetti. My family’s favorite way to enjoy this recipe is with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables – it’s the perfect way to round out a satisfying meal. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your own family, this spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting from the slow cooker is enough to make anyone’s mouth water – trust me, this recipe is worth trying out today! And let me tell you, my kids are picky eaters, but they devour this dish every time I make it.

That’s why I’m so excited to share it with you all today.

Spaghetti Meatball Slow Cooker Recipe

4.7 from 1033 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs and flavorful tomato sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a convenient and delicious meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar

For Serving

8 oz spaghetti
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
2Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and set aside.
5In the slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
6Stir well to combine.
7Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, submerging them in the sauce.
8Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
9The meatballs should be easily pierced with a fork and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
10While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the spaghetti.
11Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
12Drain and set aside.
13The spaghetti should be slightly firm to the bite and not overly soft.
14Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them over the cooked spaghetti.
15Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the meatballs and spaghetti.
16Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
17Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of this hearty dish.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spaghetti pot
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.

This spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe is one that I turn to again and again when I need a delicious meal without too much fuss. The leftovers are always just as tasty as the first round, too – simply refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 days before reheating as needed.

For serving ideas, try pairing with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for added nutrition. You can also serve over zucchini noodles or rice for a low-carb option.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Meatball Slow Cooker

Q: What type of meatballs are best for this recipe?

A: For this spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe, I highly recommend using lean ground turkey or beef. You can also mix in some chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure not to overmix the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

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

A: While store-bought marinara sauce can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch for the best flavor. Simply sauté some garlic and herbs in olive oil, then add in your favorite canned tomatoes and simmer until thickened. This will give your meatballs a rich, tangy sauce that will elevate the entire dish.

Q: How do I ensure my meatballs stay tender during cooking?

A: To keep your meatballs tender and juicy throughout cooking, be sure to handle them gently when forming into balls. You can also try adding in some grated carrots or zucchini for added moisture.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! One of the best things about this spaghetti meatball slow cooker recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate until morning – then let it cook all day while you’re at work.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meatballs?

A: To reheat leftover meatballs, simply place them in a covered baking dish with a little bit of sauce and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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