Slow Cooker Meatballs Marinara (Printable version)

Tender meatballs simmer in flavorful marinara sauce, ideal for gatherings and easy serving.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 0.5 lb ground pork
03 - 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
04 - 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 0.25 cup whole milk
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1.5 teaspoons salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Marinara Sauce

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

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
02 - Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
03 - For enhanced flavor and firmer texture, broil meatballs on high for 3-4 minutes, turning once until lightly browned. This step is optional.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 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 until combined.
06 - Gently nestle meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
08 - Transfer to serving dish and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortless entertaining: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to mingle with guests.
  • Deeply flavorful: Hours of gentle simmering infuse the meatballs with rich marinara goodness.
  • Versatile serving options: Perfect as a toothpick appetizer or served over spaghetti for a hearty main dish.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep the meatballs in advance and let them cook while you handle other tasks.
  • Crowd-tested favorite: Italian-American comfort food that appeals to all ages and tastes.
02 -
  • Don't overmix: Gently combine meatball ingredients to keep them tender, not tough.
  • Uniform sizing matters: Roll meatballs to a consistent 1½-inch size for even cooking.
  • Sauce coverage: Make sure meatballs are mostly submerged in sauce to prevent drying out.
  • Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F/71°C for food safety.
  • Make ahead: Form meatballs the night before, refrigerate on the baking sheet covered, then cook the next day.
  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce in portions for quick future meals.
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