One-Pot Italian Meatballs

Savor One-Pot Italian Meatballs, a hearty, flavorful dish with tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce. This slow cooker meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, delivering authentic Italian taste with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Italian Meatballs is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together juicy, herb-infused meatballs and a robust tomato sauce, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker for a stress-free, flavorful meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this budget-friendly recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, letting the crockpot work its magic. Its versatility allows for dietary tweaks, making it a family favorite. Packed with protein and bold Italian flavors, these meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad, offering a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Form Uniform Meatballs: Shape meatballs evenly (about 1.5 inches) for consistent cooking.
• Brown Meatballs: Sear meatballs before slow cooking for richer flavor and better texture.
• Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Check Sauce Consistency: Add more broth if sauce thickens too much during cooking.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
• Taste and Adjust: Season sauce at the end, as flavors deepen during slow cooking.

Yield: 6 Servings

One-Pot Italian Meatballs

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One-Pot Italian Meatballs, a hearty, slow-cooked dish perfect for cozy, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional garnish: extra parmesan, fresh basil

Instructions

1. Mix Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp basil; mix gently.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 16-20 total, and set aside.
3. Brown Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium; sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft; add garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add to Crockpot: Transfer onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the meatballs.
6. Add Sauce: Pour tomato sauce over meatballs, stirring gently to coat evenly.
7. Season: Sprinkle remaining basil, salt, and pepper over the sauce; stir lightly.
8. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until meatballs are tender.
9. Check Consistency: Stir and add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick.
10. Serve with Flair: Spoon meatballs and sauce over pasta or into bowls, garnish with parmesan and basil, and enjoy!

Notes

• Browning meatballs enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw meatballs will cook through in the slow cooker.
• Gently mix meatball ingredients to avoid tough, dense meatballs.
• Leftovers are great in sandwiches, over rice, or as a pizza topping.
• Serve with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 272Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 103mgSodium 816mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 27g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20) provides flavor; ground turkey is a leaner option.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko or fresh breadcrumbs add texture; gluten-free breadcrumbs work too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds savory depth; pecorino is a sharper alternative.
• Egg: Binds meatballs; use a flax egg for an egg-free version.
• Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce forms a rich base; crushed tomatoes add texture.
• Onion: Yellow onion builds savory flavor; red onion offers a milder taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds authentic Italian flavor; dried basil or oregano can substitute.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap parmesan for mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a fiery twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure tomato sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini in the sauce for extra nutrition.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium tomato sauce and reduce added salt.
• Herb Variations: Swap basil for parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning for different flavors.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm with a splash of broth to maintain moisture; stir gently.
• Meal Prep: Portion with pasta or sides for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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