Here’s a simple and flavorful Crock Pot Italian Meatballs recipe—perfect for a hands-off dinner or party appetizer:
🍝 Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Steps
- Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients.
- Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Shape into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
- Prepare the Crock Pot
- Pour marinara sauce into the slow cooker.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning if using.
- Add Meatballs
- Carefully place meatballs into the sauce, making sure they’re coated.
- Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve over spaghetti, zoodles, or as a meatball sub.
- Optional: top with shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan.
Tips
- For firmer meatballs, brown them in a skillet before adding to the crock pot.
- You can double the recipe for parties; slow cookers handle 12–16 meatballs depending on size.
- Freeze extra cooked meatballs in sauce for an easy meal later.
If you want, I can make a cheesy Italian meatball casserole version that combines these meatballs with pasta and melted mozzarella, all cooked in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
Do you want me to make that version?
