Slow-cooked Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are typically made with ground beef, pork, and veal, and are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Slow cooking the meatballs allows them to become tender and juicy, while the tomato sauce has time to develop a rich and complex flavor. Slow-cooked Italian meatballs can be served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and can also be used in sandwiches or sliders.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
SLOW COOKER ITALIAN MEATBALLS
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
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
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
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
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
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 ITALIAN MEATBALLS
These meatballs taste just like your nonna's without any pre-cooking or tending to-just throw them in the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. The recipe makes enough meatballs and sauce to serve with two pounds of pasta. They are also delicious over polenta, stuffed into sub rolls or as a pizza topping.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 8h20m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- For the sauce: Pour the tomatoes into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker and crush by hand. Stir in the tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, pepper flakes, garlic, bay leaves and 2 teaspoons salt.
- For the meatballs: Place the onions, carrots, celery, parsley and garlic in a food processor and pulse to make a paste. Transfer to a large bowl and add the beef, pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (you should get about 20 to 24) and nestle into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your meatballs.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Let the meatballs rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them hold their shape.
- Cook the meatballs on low heat. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or even a simple tomato sauce.
Conclusion:
Slow-cooked Italian meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are also a great way to use up leftover meat. With a few simple tips, you can make slow-cooked Italian meatballs that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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