Easy & Delicious Crockpot Meatballs

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast provides 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.

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl until well combined.

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

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer browned meatballs to the crockpot.

In the same skillet, add marinara sauce, bay leaves, basil, oregano, and sugar; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Check for doneness; meatballs should be cooked through and tender.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve meatballs with additional marinara sauce and garnish with parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens