Best 8 Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipes

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When you're in the mood for a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce is the perfect choice. This dish is incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Simply combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl, then shape the mixture into meatballs. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker, add your favorite tomato sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or rice, and enjoy!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TOMATO BASIL SLOW COOKER CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs image

We love these crock pot meatballs. They are made with lean ground chicken, parmesan cheese, parsley, and oregano, and then cooked in a simple garlic and basil tomato sauce. Be sure to look at the notes section below for our tips on making them in advance! Serve these with pasta, spiralized noodles, vegetables, bread, or as an appetizer.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Dinner

Time 7h30m

Yield Makes approximately 6 servings or about 18 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium onion, split in half
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 large stem fresh basil sprig
Salt, to taste
1 pound ground chicken, see notes
1/3 cup (25 grams) panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, halved onion, garlic, olive oil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes and the basil sprig to a slow cooker. Stir then add salt to taste - we use between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of salt, depending on the tomatoes. It will be cold, but you will get a good idea of whether or not the sauce is well seasoned.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Remove the onion, bay leaf and basil sprig. Taste then add additional salt as needed.
  • The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time, see notes below. Combine panko breadcrumbs and the milk in a large bowl. Wait 3 to 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed most of the milk then whisk in the egg. Whisk in the parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and the pepper.
  • Add the chicken and use a fork or your hands to then blend the chicken and the egg mixture together. The meatball mixture will be quite moist. Shape into one-inch meatballs, pressing no more than necessary. This recipe makes approximately 18 meatballs.
  • Once the tomato sauce has finished cooking and the onion has been removed, add the chicken meatballs. To add them, use a spoon or two forks to gently lower them into the sauce. Cover the tops of the meatballs by gently pushing sauce over each meatball. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/6 of recipe (3 meatballs), Calories 304, Protein 21.7 g, Carbohydrate 26.6 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Sugar 13.3 g, Fat 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Cholesterol 99.7 g, Sodium 1029.8 mg

SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

This easy slow cooker meatball recipe uses a blend of beef and Italian turkey sausage for a lightened-up version that still makes a flavorful, juicy meatball. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over pasta or with toothpicks at tailgating party!

Provided by Summer Miller

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner     Slow Cooker

Time 8h30m

Yield 40

Number Of Ingredients 22

For the sauce:
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15-oz can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
3/4 medium onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
For the meatballs:
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
4 cloves minced garlic
1/4 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 pound 90/10 ground beef
1 pound ground Italian turkey sausage

Steps:

  • Cover and cook: Secure the lid to your slow cooker and let it cook for as little as 5 hours on high or as many as 8 to 10 hours on low.
  • Serve: Serve these over spaghetti, on a hoagie bun for a meatball sandwich, or as a party appetizer on their own. If you want to thicken the sauce, you can transfer it to a skillet set over medium-high heat and reduce it until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce has some fat floating on the top, just stir it in.

CROCK-POT CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Crock-Pot Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce image

Crock-Pot meatballs are easy to make and this version with ground chicken (or turkey) has a few less calories than the ground beef version without losing any flavor.

Provided by Wanda Simone

Categories     Side Dish

Time 4h

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried basil
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes (Tomato Sauce also works)
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg (beaten)
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add a chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves (minced, 1 teaspoon dried basil and a pinch red pepper flakes.
  • Saute until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 2 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons dried parsley, 1½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Simmer on low for 45 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds ground chicken (turkey or beef), 1 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, ½ cup chopped onion, 1 large egg (beaten), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Mix well.
  • Form 1 to 2 inch balls from the mixture.
  • Add a single layer of meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Spoon half of the sauce over the top of the meatballs.
  • Put any remaining meatballs on top of the first layer and cover with the remaining sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs on high for 3 hours, or until no longer pink in the middle.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 meatball, Calories 79 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Protein 6.3 g, Fat 3.6 g, Cholesterol 27.5 mg, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 335.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 2.3 g

SLOW-COOKER ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Slow-Cooker Italian Meatballs image

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

Two 28-ounce cans whole plum tomatoes
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt
1 small onion, cut into chunks
1 small carrot, cut into chunks
1 celery stalk, cut into chunks
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
1 pound 90 percent lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt

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.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

These slow cooker meatballs are Italian style but with a twist, ground chicken instead of beef. Serve over pasta of your choice or use the meatballs and sauce to make a sub. Leftover sauce freezes well.

Provided by Bren

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 cups crushed and strained tomatoes (such as Aurora®)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch red pepper flakes
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound lean ground chicken
1 large egg
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup grated onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 large clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare the sauce by whisking tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a slow cooker. Adjust heat to High.
  • Combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently mix together. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place into the sauce. Use a spoon to cover the meatballs with sauce; do not stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and drape a thick kitchen towel over it. Cook on High for 2 1/2 hours until meatballs are cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.5 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 121.1 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 37.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 1559.4 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

SLOW COOKER TURKEY MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

These slow cooker turkey meatballs in tomato sauce are a great alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Can be served over pasta or make meatball sandwiches with sauteed onions and peppers with melted Italian cheese over the top. Fantastic!

Provided by Cheryl

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 4h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup minced onion
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
1 ¼ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps:

  • Saute onion and Italian dressing in a small saute pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine turkey, bread crumbs, garlic, sauteed onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
  • Combine diced tomatoes and marinara in a second bowl; set aside.
  • Form 1/2 of the turkey mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and layer them in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour 1/2 of the tomato mixture over the meatballs. Form the remaining turkey mixture into meatballs and layer with remaining tomato mixture.
  • Cover and cook until no longer pink in the centers, about 4 hours on High, or 8 hours on Low.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.2 calories, Carbohydrate 41.1 g, Cholesterol 86.5 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 1281.2 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

SLOW-COOKER KOFTE IN TOMATO-LIME BROTH



Slow-Cooker Kofte in Tomato-Lime Broth image

While you're at the beach, at work or doing anything at all, these bright, light, brothy meatballs can be stewing in the slow cooker. They are made in the style of kofte (from the Persian word meaning "grind"), in which ground meat is combined with lots of herbs and ground spices. Yogurt adds moisture and tang, but you don't need another binder or to brown the meat first. As the meatballs slowly cook, their juices mingle with the tomatoes to create a rich but tart broth. Eat with grains (bulgur wheat, farro, rice), couscous, noodles or pita. For a stovetop version, see the Tip.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, meatballs, main course

Time 4h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lime
4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 cup chopped dill, mint, parsley or a combination, plus more for serving
1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (about 4 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric or another warm spice, like baharat, paprika, cumin, coriander, allspice or a mix
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
2 pounds ground lamb, beef, turkey or a combination
3 pints cherry or Sungold tomatoes (about 30 ounces)
Granulated sugar, to taste

Steps:

  • Use a vegetable peeler to peel the rind off the lime in wide strips. Add the rind to a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, along with the garlic and ¼ cup water. (Reserve the lime.)
  • In a large bowl, stir together the herbs, yogurt, turmeric, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add the meat and use your hands to combine. Form the meat into 8 balls (roughly 4½ ounces each) and add to the slow cooker in a single layer. If they don't fit in one layer, add a few tomatoes to buffer the meatballs from one another, then add another layer of meatballs. Add the cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, then cover and cook on low until the meatballs are cooked through, 3 to 4 hours.
  • Transfer the meatballs to plates, then remove and discard the garlic and lime peel. Burst most of the tomatoes by smashing them on the side of the slow cooker with a spoon. Squeeze the reserved lime into the slow cooker, then season to taste with salt, pepper and sugar. (The sugar helps compensate for too-tart tomatoes.) Spoon the tomatoes and broth on top of the meatballs, along with more fresh herbs.

CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE



Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce image

Chicken thighs have a bit more fat than breasts and are the best for making juicy, flavorful meatballs for dinner. If you prefer, you can substitute ground dark-meat (7% fat) turkey for the chicken thighs, and skip step 1 of the recipe.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Thighs

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 slice white sandwich bread, crumbled
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg white
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes in puree

Steps:

  • Place chicken thighs in a food processor, and pulse until meat is coarsely ground.
  • Add bread, milk, egg white, cheese, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; process until meat is finely ground.
  • With moistened hands, shape mixture into 12 meatballs. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add meatballs, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and puree, breaking them up with your fingers; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cover, and cook 15 minutes. Uncover; simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 30 g

Tips:

  • Fresh herbs can make a big difference in the flavor of these meatballs. Italian parsley, basil, and oregano are all good choices.
  • If you don't have any bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oatmeal instead.
  • The meatballs can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to serve them.
  • To make the meatballs even more flavorful, try browning them in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Conclusion:

These slow cooker chicken meatballs in tomato sauce are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. They're perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. So next time you're looking for a simple and satisfying meal, give these meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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