Slow Cooker Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Marvelous Meatballs
Transform your family dinner into an Italian-inspired feast with this "Slow Cooker Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Marvelous Meatballs." This hearty recipe combines tender homemade meatballs, crafted from a flavorful blend of ground beef, ground pork, and Italian seasonings, with a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, melding crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and dried herbs into a velvety base that perfectly complements the meatballs. The result is a truly comforting and robust dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday suppers. Serve over a bed of spaghetti, and top with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for an irresistible dinner the whole family will love. This one-pot recipe is the ultimate companion for slow cooker enthusiasts, offering both convenience and outstanding flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Eggs
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cans Crushed tomatoes (canned, 28 oz)
- 1 can Tomato paste (6 oz)
- 1 can Diced tomatoes (canned, 14.5 oz)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Dried basil
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Water or beef broth
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until browned (they do not need to be fully cooked). Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, water or beef broth, basil, oregano, bay leaf, sugar, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the meatballs.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Serve the spaghetti sauce and meatballs over cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
493 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1281 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1129 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
