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Slow cooker meatballs served over spaghetti, topped with parsley and parmesan cheese.
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Slow Cooker Meatballs

These slow cooker meatballs are Italian style and made with ground beef, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They're slow simmered to tender perfection in the crock pot and are perfect served over spaghetti or as a hearty appetizer.
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 364kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef I use 90% lean
  • 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • cooking spray
  • 28 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the broiler. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • Place the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, onion, egg, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined. If it's hard to get everything to mix together, add a little water, a teaspoon at a time until a smooth mixture forms.
  • Shape the meat into 1 inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Broil the meatballs until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir gently to combine.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  • Top the meatballs with a sprinkling of parsley and parmesan cheese, then serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 1309mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1160IU | Vitamin C: 21.6mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 6.5mg