crock pot italian meatball recipe

crock pot italian meatball recipe

The Best crock pot italian meatball recipe

I’m so excited to share this Crock Pot Italian Meatball Recipe with you all! I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make.

Just throw all the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning, and come home to a delicious, homemade meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The flavors are amazing, with the tender meatballs coated in a rich, tangy sauce that’s made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. And the best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, with lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables to keep you full and satisfied. My kids love helping me mix up the meatballs and adding their favorite toppings to the dish. It’s become a staple in our household, and I know it will be in yours too once you try it!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and letting the slow cooker do all the work. I like to use lean ground turkey and add in some chopped onion and bell pepper for added flavor. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so all you have to do is come home and serve it up.

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, so it’s perfect for a big family or a party. And the leftovers are just as delicious reheated for lunch the next day or frozen for later use. I like to serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread on the side.

The sauce is so good that you’ll want to lick your plate clean – but don’t worry, your kids will love it just as much as you do! I’ve also included some fun topping ideas below so you can customize it to your liking.

Crock Pot Italian Meatballs

Crock Pot Italian Meatballs

4.9 from 623 votes

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

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time5 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)

For the Sauce

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving

Cooked pasta
Fresh basil (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, parsley, and basil.
2Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
4Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.
5In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
7Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
10Place the meatballs in the crock pot.
11Pour the sauce from the saucepan over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
12Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling gently.
13The meatballs should be browned and firm to the touch, and the sauce should be thick and fragrant.
14Once the meatballs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish.
15Stir the sauce in the crock pot to ensure it is well mixed and heated through.
16Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta, topped with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
17Pour the sauce from the crock pot over the meatballs and pasta.
18Enjoy immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Spoon
Crock pot
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of ground pork. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Italian Meatballs Works

This Crock Pot Italian Meatball Recipe is truly one of my favorite meals to make and eat.

Not only is it incredibly easy, but it’s also packed with nutrients from lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables.

My kids love helping me mix up the meatballs and adding their favorite toppings – they’re always excited when we have this meal together as a family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Italian Meatballs

Q: What type of ground meat can I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either ground beef or ground turkey in this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, go with ground turkey. If you prefer a more traditional Italian flavor, use ground beef.

Q: Can I make this recipe without garlic?

A: Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic or have dietary restrictions that prevent you from consuming it, simply omit the minced garlic from the recipe.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Some people like to add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh parsley to give it an extra boost of flavor.

Q: How long does it take to cook this recipe?

A: This recipe takes about 6-8 hours on low in the crock pot. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, one of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare all the ingredients according to your preference (such as using raw or cooked meat), place them in the crock pot and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

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