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Tender Italian meatballs simmered in marinara sauce in a slow cooker
Isaac blogger

Crockpot Italian Meatballs

These easy crockpot Italian meatballs are gently cooked in marinara sauce until tender and flavorful. With just 15 minutes of prep and 3–7 hours of slow cooking, they’re a hands-off dinner that works perfectly for busy days and make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories:
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Sauce
  • 24 oz marinara sauce

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. In a bowl, gently mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  4. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.
  5. Place meatballs in the crockpot without tightly packing.
  6. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
  7. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Cook Notes
  10. Timing Notes:
  11. Prep takes about 15 minutes. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule and slow cooker. Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for 10 minutes after cooking before serving for best texture and flavor.