Craving a hearty dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? Look no further than these Cozy Sunday Supper Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs. Tender, flavorful, and bathed in a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are perfect for a lazy weekend dinner or a comforting meal with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
Instructions
First, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the marinara sauce and broth on top. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours), until the meatballs are tender and cooked through. Give them a gentle stir halfway through if you can, ensuring they’re coated with sauce for maximum flavor.
Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta, on crusty rolls for a quick sub, or with a simple side of sautéed vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan to bring extra color and taste to the plate.
These Cozy Sunday Supper Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs are the go-to recipe for anyone seeking a no-fuss meal that delivers comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. They’re perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a hearty Italian-inspired bite without standing over the stove all day.
For a lighter option, swap out half the sausage for ground turkey; you can also experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions. However you customize them, the slow cooker does all the work, and you end up with a special dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.