Slow Cooker Meatballs Marinara (Printable Version)

Savory meatballs cooked gently in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for gatherings or casual meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 - 0.5 lb ground pork
03 - 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
04 - 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 0.25 cup whole milk
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1.5 tsp salt
10 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

→ Marinara Sauce

13 - 48 oz marinara sauce
14 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tbsp olive oil
17 - 1 tsp dried basil
18 - 1 tsp dried oregano
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing.
02 - Form mixture into 1.5-inch balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
03 - For firmer meatballs with enhanced flavor, broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once until lightly browned. This step may be omitted if preferred.
04 - Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
05 - Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Gently nestle the prepared meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours, or on HIGH setting for 2 hours, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
08 - Transfer meatballs and sauce to serving dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Effortless Entertaining: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your guests and celebrate.
  • Tender and Flavorful: The combination of ground beef and pork creates incredibly juicy meatballs with rich, savory depth.
  • Versatile Serving: Perfect as a stand-alone appetizer or served over pasta for a satisfying main course.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, making party prep a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Italian-American comfort food that appeals to all ages and tastes.
02 -
  • Consistent Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure all meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Don't Skip the Sauté: Taking a few minutes to sauté the onion and garlic for the sauce builds incredible depth of flavor.
  • Test One First: If you're unsure about seasoning, cook one small meatball in a skillet before shaping all of them to adjust salt and spices.
  • Storage Success: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of extra marinara to prevent drying out.
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