How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheddar

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats are a healthier binder, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is typically less expensive.

In a large bowl, add 2 pounds of ground beef and 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese.

Grate 2 garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.

Chop a handful of parsley, 2 tablespoons of oregano, and 10 basil leaves, then add to the mixture.

Add a big pinch of black pepper and a pinch of salt to the bowl.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

Add 4 heaping tablespoons of parmesan cheese to the mixture.

Add 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and season with another big pinch of salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper).

Mix the ingredients together with your non-dominant hand, being careful not to overmix.

Shape the mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

In the slow cooker, pour almost all of 2 jars of tomato sauce at the bottom.

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, close together.

Cover the meatballs with more tomato sauce from the second jar, ensuring they are covered.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours without lifting the lid.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens