Description
These Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs are made with 100% ground beef and simmered low and slow in a rich tomato sauce. Cozy, hearty, and completely hands-off—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (24-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 1–2 inch meatballs, making about 24 total.
Lightly grease a baking sheet and broil meatballs on high for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned.
Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
Pour crushed tomatoes and tomato paste over the meatballs. Add bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve warm, topped with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Using all beef keeps the recipe simple while still delivering tender meatballs.
Broiling first helps the meatballs hold their shape in the slow cooker.
These meatballs freeze beautifully and reheat well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 meatballs
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg