Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs

Name: Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 7 hours

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs are perfect for those days when you crave something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With a combination of beef and pork, these meatballs are juicy and flavorful, simmered to perfection in marinara sauce.

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Ingredients for Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs

Ground beef and ground pork combine to create a rich and juicy texture. The pork adds a subtle sweetness that complements the beef. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, keeping the meatballs tender. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami kick, while minced garlic infuses the mixture with aromatic goodness. Chopped parsley brings freshness, and egg helps bind everything together. A bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors, and milk keeps the meatballs moist. Lastly, marinara sauce serves as a cozy blanket for our meatballs, ensuring they remain juicy as they cook.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the skillet while browning — it helps achieve that perfect crust.
If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta for a cohesive dish. Or, go for a classic Italian sub by tucking them into a toasted hoagie roll topped with mozzarella cheese. For a lighter option, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and brown them ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to slow cook.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?: You can simmer the meatballs in a covered pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 2 hours instead.

Hearty Slow-Cooked Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef and ground pork, then sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Crack in that egg, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the milk to hydrate the breadcrumbs, making the meatballs wonderfully tender. Now, get your hands in there and mix everything until well combined.

Once mixed, start forming the meat mixture into 1-inch balls. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned. This step locks in the flavor and gives them a nice crust.

As the meatballs brown, transfer them to your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure they are well covered. Cover and let them cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld, resulting in tender, flavorful meatballs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Effortless and ideal for busy days — let your slow cooker do the work.
A perfect balance of beef and pork for unbeatable flavor.
Great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better!
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup milk

2 cups marinara sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned.

4. Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until meatballs are tender and cooked through.

6. Serve with your choice of pasta or crusty bread.

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