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Delicious crockpot meatballs served over rice and garnished with fresh parsley.

Crockpot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for busy days and comforting meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground beef (80 or 85 percent lean) Mix with ground pork for added tenderness.
  • 1 lb Ground pork Use for mixing with beef for better texture.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Acts as a binder.
  • 1 large Egg Beaten, to bind the mixture.
  • 1 small Grated onion Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For added flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 28 oz Crushed tomatoes Provides body to the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste Enhances deep tomato flavor.
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic For warmth.
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano For classic flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried basil For classic flavor.
  • 1 pinch Sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes.
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking
  1. Pour some crushed tomatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Top with the remaining crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or high for 2.5 to 4 hours.
  5. Check that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

For added flavor, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Leftovers can be used for meatball subs.