Slow Cooker Meatballs

4.83 from 23 votes

Melt in your mouth meatballs in a deliciously rich tomato sauce. These Slow Cooker Meatballs are an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time3 hrs

Total Time3 hrs 10 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Allergen: Eggs, Gluten, Meat

Diet: Low Fat

Servings: servings

Calories: 292kcal

Author: Dannii

Equipment

Slow cooker or Crock Pot

Ingredients

Meatballs:

500 g lean beef mince
1 small onion peeled and finely diced
2 garlic cloves crushed
25 g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 medium egg whisked
1 pinch sea salt and black pepper

Sauce:

1 large carrot peeled and diced
1 medium onion peeled and diced
500 ml passata
3 garlic cloves
1 pinch sea salt and black pepper
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried thyme

UK measures - US measures

Instructions

Put the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, oregano, egg and salt and pepper in to a bowl and mix well. If the mixture sees a bit wet, then add some more breadcrumbs. Form in to 12 meatballs and set aside.
Heat some oil in a large pan and add the meatballs. Cook on low for 2 minutes each side. Take the meatballs out and then add the onion and carrot and gently cook for 2 minutes.
Add the onion, carrot and meatballs to the slow cooker bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients for the sauce on top of the meatballs and gently stir so everything is coated.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours and serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

Video

Notes

Stick with classic Italian seasoning, or go with Mexican or Moroccan for something a bit different.
Serve these meatballs with pasta or mashed potatoes. Don't forget to save some leftovers to turn in to meatball subs the next day.
Want to try a different sauce? Cook these meatballs in a homemade BBQ sauce or a sweet and sour sauce and serve with rice.
Save some extra time with this recipe and either make the meatballs in advance, or use store bought meatballs.

Nutrition