Here’s a simple and delicious Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs recipe! These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—whether you serve them as an appetizer or over pasta!
Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
Instructions:
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Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
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Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
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Cook the meatballs in the slow cooker: Place the meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs, making sure they’re evenly coated with the sauce.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Stir gently once or twice if desired, but be careful not to break them apart.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them hot. They’re perfect for spaghetti, as an appetizer with toothpicks, or served in a sandwich!
Optional Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of dried basil or fresh chopped parsley to the meatball mixture.
- Cheese stuffed meatballs: Add a small piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each meatball before rolling.
- Sweet and tangy: Try using BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce instead of marinara sauce for a different twist.
Enjoy these Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs! Perfect for a busy day, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. 😋🍝