Slow Cooker Meatballs Marinara (Printable Version)

Tender meatballs cooked slowly in a flavorful, rich marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish.

# What You Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 - ½ lb ground pork
03 - ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
04 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - ¼ cup milk
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1½ tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp black pepper
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

→ Marinara Sauce

13 - 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
14 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tbsp olive oil
17 - 1 tsp dried basil
18 - 1 tsp dried oregano
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing.
02 - Shape mixture into 1½-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
03 - For firmer meatballs with enhanced flavor, broil on high for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. This step can be skipped if preferred.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
05 - Add sautéed onion and garlic, marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
06 - Gently nestle the meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours), until meatballs are cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tender meatballs made from a savory blend of ground beef and pork.
  • Simple, slow cooker preparation leaves more time to enjoy with guests.
  • Rich marinara sauce enhanced with fragrant herbs and sautéed garlic and onion.
  • Versatile dish suitable as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course.
  • Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or everyday family dinners.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
  • Browning meatballs under the broiler is optional but adds a great flavor boost.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the sauce enhances the sauce’s depth.
  • Keep meatballs spaced apart on the baking sheet to prevent sticking when broiling.
  • Check the internal temperature to ensure meatballs are fully cooked (160°F/71°C).
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