Best 4 Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs Recipes

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**Savor the Authentic Flavors of Italy with Slow-Cooker Italian Meatballs: A Culinary Journey into Italian Cuisine**

Indulge in the delectable symphony of Italian flavors with our slow-cooker Italian meatballs, a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly captures the essence of Italy's rich culinary heritage. These tender and juicy meatballs, lovingly crafted with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, are simmered in a luscious tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs, creating a dish that is both comforting and utterly irresistible. Accompanied by three additional enticing recipes - Marinara Sauce, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Meatball Sliders - this comprehensive guide invites you on a culinary adventure, allowing you to relish the authentic taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SLOW COOKER ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs image

Super Tender Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs. Loaded with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley and garlic. They melt in your mouth and are incredibly tender. Simmered low and slow for 4 hours!

Provided by Kelley Simmons

Categories     Main Course

Time 4h20m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1/4 cup onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
salt and pepper
2 24 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
2 whole bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
basil for serving (if desired)
parmesan cheese for serving (if desired)

Steps:

  • Add beef, pork, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs and cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until combined.
  • Form into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. I made 24 meatballs.
  • Lightly grease a baking sheet. Broil meatballs on high until browned on each side. About 4-5 minutes on each side.
  • Add meatballs to slow cooker. Top with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
  • Cook on low for 4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with basil or parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 527 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 34 g, Fat 36 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 169 mg, Sodium 520 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SLOW-COOKED ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Slow-Cooked Italian Meatballs image

What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. -Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 3h50m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
4 cups spaghetti sauce
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is tender and golden brown, 5-9 minutes. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, cheese, parsley, water, basil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and onion mixture. Add ground meats; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake until browned, 20-25 minutes., Transfer meatballs to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Pour spaghetti sauce over top. Cook, covered, on low until meatballs are cooked through, 3-4 hours. If desired, serve with minced parsley., Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring gently and adding a little water or broth if necessary. Serve as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 54 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 146mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

EASY SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS



Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs image

This is an easy recipe that can be prepared in a slow cooker for a great hot meal at the end of the day. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti noodles.

Provided by HUNNIE0913

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 8h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 ¼ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.25 ounce) can tomato puree

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, onion, and egg. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
  • In a slow cooker, mix the spaghetti sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato puree. Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.2 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 502.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

SLOW-COOKER CHEESE-STUFFED MEATBALLS



Slow-Cooker Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs image

Nothing says "home cooking" like a good plate of meatballs. Tiny balls of fresh mozzarella are the "surprise inside" this hearty dish, which uses the slow cooker as a prep shortcut.

Provided by By Corey Valley

Categories     Entree

Time 5h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup Progresso™ Italian style bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
8 oz small fresh mozzarella balls
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 jars (25 oz each) tomato pasta sauce
12 oz uncooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, basil, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and eggs. Shape into 14 to 16 (2-inch) meatballs. Press 1 small mozzarella ball into center of each meatball, sealing it inside.
  • In 10- to 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook just until browned on all sides.
  • Pour 1 jar of the pasta sauce into 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Carefully place browned meatballs over sauce. Pour second jar of pasta sauce over meatballs.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5 to 6 hours.
  • When about 15 minutes are left, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 900, Carbohydrate 84 g, Cholesterol 185 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 7 g, Protein 50 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1890 mg, Sugar 20 g, TransFat 1 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: A combination of ground beef and pork is ideal for Italian meatballs, as it provides a balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner meatball, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
  • Season the meatball mixture well: Italian meatballs are known for their bold flavors, so don't be afraid to season the meatball mixture generously with garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Use fresh bread crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs help to bind the meatball mixture together and give it a light and fluffy texture. Avoid using store-bought bread crumbs, as they can be dry and hard.
  • Brown the meatballs before cooking: Browning the meatballs in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker helps to develop their flavor and prevent them from becoming dry.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is an important part of any Italian meatball recipe. Choose a sauce that is rich and flavorful, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
  • Cook the meatballs on low heat: Cooking the meatballs on low heat for several hours allows them to become tender and flavorful without drying out.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides: Italian meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Making Italian meatballs in a slow cooker is a great way to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort. By following these tips, you can create meatballs that are flavorful, moist, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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