Slow-Cooker Meatballs

Name: Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 9 h 30 min
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 c. panko bread crumbs; 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup); 1/3 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1/3 c. milk; 1 large egg; 7 large garlic gloves, finely chopped, divided; 2 lb. 85-percent lean ground beef; 1/2 lb. Italian sauage, casings removed; Canola oil, for baking sheet; 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 2 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tsp. sugar; 1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped

Making this Italian favorite just got even easier.

By Marian Cooper CairnsPublished: Feb 5, 2015

4.5

2 Ratings

Jump to recipe

Brian Woodcock

Yields:

12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

9 hrs 30 mins

Cal/Serv:

281

Serve between two and four of these per person for dinner. You can also try them over spaghetti or rice. Plus, try even more variations on slow cooker meatballs!

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Ingredients

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
7 large garlic gloves, finely chopped, divided
2 lb. 85-percent lean ground beef
1/2 lb. Italian sauage, casings removed
Canola oil, for baking sheet
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tsp. sugar
1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, and 3 garlic cloves in a bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Add beef and sausage; gently combine using your hands. Shape into 36 (1- to 1 1/2-inch) balls. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with canola oil. Place meatballs on baking sheet and bake until browned, 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Step 2Combine onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper, and remaining 4 garlic cloves in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, stirring once, until onion is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Combine onion mixture, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar in the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker. Gently stir meatballs into sauce. Cover and cook on low, until the flavors are combined, 8 to 9 hours. Stir in basil.

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