If you love classic Italian flavors with a comforting, home-cooked feel, then this Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine tender meatballs made from a perfect blend of beef and pork, slowly simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been bubbling away for hours. The slow cooker does all the hard work while filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma, making mealtime effortless and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the perfectly seasoned meatballs to the vibrant tomato sauce that hugs them just right.
- Ground beef and pork: Combining 1 pound of each gives the meatballs a juicy, balanced texture with rich flavor.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Half a cup helps bind the meatballs and soak up flavorful juices for tenderness.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: A whole cup inside the mix adds savory depth, plus extra for serving adds that irresistible finish.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together without making it dense.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Two tablespoons brighten the meatballs with fresh herbal notes.
- Minced garlic: Four cloves infuse both meatballs and sauce with warmth and aroma.
- Seasonings (salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, pepper): These spices harmonize the savory and spicy elements, making each bite deliciously balanced.
- Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce: A 28-ounce can plus 15-ounce can create a luscious base for simmering the meatballs.
- Sugar: Half a tablespoon cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a sweeter, rounder sauce.
- Fresh basil and cooked pasta (optional): For garnishing and serving that authentic Italian experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker
Start by adding all the sauce ingredients—crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt—into your slow cooker. Stir everything thoroughly so that the flavors meld beautifully right from the very beginning of the cooking process. This sauce will be the warm, flavorful home for your meatballs, so make sure it’s well combined.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—over-mixing will make the meatballs tough. Then, delicately roll the mixture into about 20 evenly sized, 2-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs into the slow cooker nestled right into the sauce. It’s okay if they slightly overlap as they will shrink a bit while cooking. Spoon extra sauce on top to cover them as much as possible.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender and Flavorful
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are cooked through. This slow, gentle cooking allows the meatballs to absorb the rich tomato flavors while staying incredibly tender and juicy. The long simmer builds a sauce that’s thickened and bursting with herby, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, give the sauce a gentle stir to incorporate any juices released from the meatballs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. These meatballs are perfect served over your choice of cooked pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal that’s made right at home.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright, fresh contrast to the warm, rich flavors of the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving to enhance the dish’s depth and give it that irresistible cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are naturally at their best over cooked pasta, but they also shine alongside garlic bread, creamy polenta, or a crisp green salad. The sauce is wonderful for dipping, so pairing with crusty bread will never disappoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs as sliders on toasted rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese on top. You could also layer them in a baked casserole with pasta and melted cheese for a hearty, comforting dinner everyone will ask for again and again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slow cooker Italian beef and pork meatballs in tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the sauce and meatballs are evenly heated. Adding a splash of water or broth can refresh the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only pork for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While the combination of beef and pork adds balance and juiciness, using just one type of meat still works well. Just note that pork can make meatballs a bit more tender, and beef tends to be heartier.
Is it necessary to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but if you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can mix in a bit of dried Italian herbs or garlic powder. The breadcrumbs mainly help hold the meatballs together and keep them moist.
Why is there sugar in the tomato sauce?
The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a sweeter, more rounded sauce without obvious sweetness. It smoothes the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking?
Yes! You can shape the meatballs and freeze them uncooked, then add them directly to the slow cooker with the sauce when you’re ready to cook. Just add some extra cooking time if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
What type of pasta pairs best with these meatballs?
This dish is wonderfully versatile with pasta. Classic spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle all work beautifully to soak up the sauce and complement the tender meatballs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s rich in flavor but easy to prepare. It’s a true crowd-pleaser whether for family dinners or casual gatherings. The slow cooker does the magic to meld all those hearty, herby flavors, leaving you with juicy meatballs swimming in a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce. Do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try—you’ll be coming back to it again and again!
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes (high) or 6 hours 0 minutes (low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (high) or 6 hours 25 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Slow Cooker Meatballs are a hearty and flavorful dish made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfectly tender and juicy, they are slow-cooked to perfection for an easy, hands-off meal that pairs beautifully with pasta or fresh basil.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
To Serve (Optional)
- Fresh basil
- Cooked pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add all the sauce ingredients—crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes—to your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Mix and form meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Form about 20 meatballs, each approximately 2 inches in diameter, taking care not to over-mix or pack them tightly to keep them tender.
- Place meatballs in slow cooker: Carefully place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker on top of the sauce. It’s okay if they overlap slightly. Gently spoon some sauce over the meatballs to ensure they are well-coated and partially submerged.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) and are tender throughout.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with cooked pasta or your preferred side. Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the meat mixture; overworking can result in tough meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preference, adding more or less of the herbs and spices.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before cooking.
- Serving options include spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or even a sub sandwich with the meatballs for variety.
