Best 7 Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipes

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**Slow-Cooker Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish**

When it comes to comforting and flavorful meals, few dishes can beat slow-cooked chicken meatballs in tomato sauce. This classic dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even special occasions. With tender and juicy chicken meatballs simmering in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy the taste buds of everyone at the table.

The recipe for slow-cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce is a culinary symphony of simple yet delicious ingredients. Ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices come together to create meatballs that are moist, flavorful, and bursting with umami. These meatballs are then gently simmered in a homemade tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a touch of Italian seasoning. The result is a rich and luscious sauce that perfectly complements the tender meatballs.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it over a bed of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also use the meatballs as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or sliders. Additionally, this recipe includes variations for making the meatballs in the oven or on the stovetop for those who prefer a different cooking method.

With its ease of preparation, adaptability, and irresistible taste, slow-cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce is a dish that deserves a place in every home cook's repertoire. So gather your ingredients, prepare your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

TOMATO BASIL SLOW COOKER CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs image

We love these crock pot meatballs. They are made with lean ground chicken, parmesan cheese, parsley, and oregano, and then cooked in a simple garlic and basil tomato sauce. Be sure to look at the notes section below for our tips on making them in advance! Serve these with pasta, spiralized noodles, vegetables, bread, or as an appetizer.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Dinner

Time 7h30m

Yield Makes approximately 6 servings or about 18 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium onion, split in half
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 large stem fresh basil sprig
Salt, to taste
1 pound ground chicken, see notes
1/3 cup (25 grams) panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, halved onion, garlic, olive oil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes and the basil sprig to a slow cooker. Stir then add salt to taste - we use between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of salt, depending on the tomatoes. It will be cold, but you will get a good idea of whether or not the sauce is well seasoned.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Remove the onion, bay leaf and basil sprig. Taste then add additional salt as needed.
  • The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time, see notes below. Combine panko breadcrumbs and the milk in a large bowl. Wait 3 to 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed most of the milk then whisk in the egg. Whisk in the parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and the pepper.
  • Add the chicken and use a fork or your hands to then blend the chicken and the egg mixture together. The meatball mixture will be quite moist. Shape into one-inch meatballs, pressing no more than necessary. This recipe makes approximately 18 meatballs.
  • Once the tomato sauce has finished cooking and the onion has been removed, add the chicken meatballs. To add them, use a spoon or two forks to gently lower them into the sauce. Cover the tops of the meatballs by gently pushing sauce over each meatball. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/6 of recipe (3 meatballs), Calories 304, Protein 21.7 g, Carbohydrate 26.6 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Sugar 13.3 g, Fat 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Cholesterol 99.7 g, Sodium 1029.8 mg

SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

This easy slow cooker meatball recipe uses a blend of beef and Italian turkey sausage for a lightened-up version that still makes a flavorful, juicy meatball. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over pasta or with toothpicks at tailgating party!

Provided by Summer Miller

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner     Slow Cooker

Time 8h30m

Yield 40

Number Of Ingredients 22

For the sauce:
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15-oz can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
3/4 medium onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
For the meatballs:
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
4 cloves minced garlic
1/4 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 pound 90/10 ground beef
1 pound ground Italian turkey sausage

Steps:

  • Cover and cook: Secure the lid to your slow cooker and let it cook for as little as 5 hours on high or as many as 8 to 10 hours on low.
  • Serve: Serve these over spaghetti, on a hoagie bun for a meatball sandwich, or as a party appetizer on their own. If you want to thicken the sauce, you can transfer it to a skillet set over medium-high heat and reduce it until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce has some fat floating on the top, just stir it in.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

These slow cooker meatballs are Italian style but with a twist, ground chicken instead of beef. Serve over pasta of your choice or use the meatballs and sauce to make a sub. Leftover sauce freezes well.

Provided by Bren

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 cups crushed and strained tomatoes (such as Aurora®)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch red pepper flakes
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound lean ground chicken
1 large egg
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup grated onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 large clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare the sauce by whisking tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a slow cooker. Adjust heat to High.
  • Combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently mix together. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place into the sauce. Use a spoon to cover the meatballs with sauce; do not stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and drape a thick kitchen towel over it. Cook on High for 2 1/2 hours until meatballs are cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.5 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 121.1 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 37.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 1559.4 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

SLOW-COOKER SPICY CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE SOUP



Slow-Cooker Spicy Chicken and Sausage Soup image

Red pepper sauce adds a little "kick" to chicken and sausage in a tomato-based broth.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 8h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 3/4 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1/2 lb cooked kielbasa, sliced
1 cup frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry (from 1-lb bag), thawed
1/2 cup uncooked instant white rice

Steps:

  • In 3- to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix chicken, tomatoes, broth, water and red pepper sauce.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.
  • Stir in kielbasa, stir-fry vegetables and rice. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 10 to 15 minutes until rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 810 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

CROCK-POT CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Crock-Pot Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce image

Crock-Pot meatballs are easy to make and this version with ground chicken (or turkey) has a few less calories than the ground beef version without losing any flavor.

Provided by Wanda Simone

Categories     Side Dish

Time 4h

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried basil
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes (Tomato Sauce also works)
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg (beaten)
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add a chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves (minced, 1 teaspoon dried basil and a pinch red pepper flakes.
  • Saute until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 2 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons dried parsley, 1½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Simmer on low for 45 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds ground chicken (turkey or beef), 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, ½ cup chopped onion, 1 large egg (beaten), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Mix well.
  • Form 1 to 2 inch balls from the mixture.
  • Add a single layer of meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Spoon half of the sauce over the top of the meatballs.
  • Put any remaining meatballs on top of the first layer and cover with the remaining sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs on high for 3 hours, or until no longer pink in the middle.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 meatball, Calories 79 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Protein 6.3 g, Fat 3.6 g, Cholesterol 27.5 mg, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 335.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 2.3 g

SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS AND SAUCE



Slow Cooker Meatballs and Sauce image

Taken from The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook "The meatballs cook right in the sauce, making it especially rich and robust. If you like, serve with spaghetti squash 'spaghetti' or low-carb pasta."

Provided by Tarbean

Categories     Veal

Time 8h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground veal (90% lean) or 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (25 3/4 ounce) can spaghetti sauce ("lite" or "no sugar added")
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup red wine
1 cup water

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, using clean hands, combine meatball ingredients (ground pork through 1 tsp black pepper); set aside. In slow cooker crock, whisk together the sauce ingredients (spaghetti sauce through water).
  • Form meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and drop them into the sauce (some will stick out of the sauce; that's okay).
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Before serving, stir gently so all meatballs are coated with sauce.

SLOW COOKER TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

These slow cooker turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are a great alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Can be served over pasta or make meatball sandwiches with sauteed onions and peppers with melted Italian cheese over the top. Fantastic!

Provided by Cheryl

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 4h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup minced onion
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 ¼ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps:

  • Saute onion and Italian dressing in a small saute pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine turkey, bread crumbs, garlic, sauteed onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
  • Combine diced tomatoes and marinara in a second bowl; set aside.
  • Form 1/2 of the turkey mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and layer them in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour 1/2 of the tomato mixture over the meatballs. Form the remaining turkey mixture into meatballs and layer with remaining tomato mixture.
  • Cover and cook until no longer pink in the centers, about 4 hours on High, or 8 hours on Low.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.2 calories, Carbohydrate 41.1 g, Cholesterol 86.5 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 1281.2 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

Tips:

  • For a vegetarian version of these meatballs, substitute cooked lentils or black beans for the chicken.
  • If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or rolled oats instead.
  • To make the meatballs extra flavorful, add a tablespoon of minced garlic or onion to the meatball mixture.
  • To save time, you can use a pre-made tomato sauce instead of making your own.
  • Serve the meatballs with spaghetti, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion:

This slow-cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce recipe is an easy and delicious way to make a comforting and flavorful meal. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, and they are simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual party. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as spaghetti, rice, or mashed potatoes.

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