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Slow-Cooked Italian Meatballs

Delicious, tender meatballs cooked in a rich spaghetti sauce, perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 270 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 pound ground veal
  • 4 cups spaghetti sauce
  • Minced fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until tender and golden brown, about 5 to 9 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, water, basil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined.
  5. Add ground meats to the bowl and mix lightly but thoroughly.
  6. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on greased racks in shallow baking pans.
  7. Bake the meatballs in the oven until browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  8. Transfer the meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the spaghetti sauce over them.
  9. Cook covered on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until cooked through.
  10. Serve with minced parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: meatballs, Italian, comfort food, slow cooker