SLOW COOKER ITALIAN MEATBALLS

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • ¼ cup onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 (24 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • basil for serving, if desired
  • parmesan cheese for serving, if desired

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add beef, pork, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs and cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until combined.
  2. Form into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. I made 24 meatballs.
  3. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Broil meatballs on high until browned on each side. About 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Add meatballs to slow cooker.
  5. Top with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
  6. Cook on low for 4 hours.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with basil or parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.