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Easy Tender Crockpot Meatballs Recipe for Perfect Spaghetti Dinner

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A fuss-free slow cooker recipe for tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, perfect for a comforting spaghetti dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (90 g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about golf ball size. Wetting hands slightly helps prevent sticking. Place meatballs on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Arrange meatballs in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain heat.
  6. After 4 hours, check one meatball for doneness; it should be cooked through with no pink inside and tender. Cook an additional 30 minutes if needed.
  7. Carefully remove meatballs with a slotted spoon and serve over cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
  8. If sauce is too thin, remove lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Keep meatballs uniform in size (about 1.5 inches) for even cooking. No need to brown meatballs before slow cooking. Use good quality marinara sauce. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain heat. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Frozen meatballs require at least 1 extra hour of cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, spaghetti dinner, easy meatballs, tender meatballs, crockpot recipes, weeknight dinner

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