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Home » slow cooker » Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Published: Mar 7, 2020 · Modified: Jul 15, 2020 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

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6 hours 25 minutes 37 Comments

These slow cooker meatballs are a traditional, Italian style meatballs made with ground beef and pork, Parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They are slow simmered in tomato sauce, to tender perfection in the crock pot and are perfect served over spaghetti. This post was originally published in 2014.

Beef meatballs in slow cooker with tomato sauce and basil.

I’ve been a big fan of the slow cooker for years. And then the pressure cooker came around and I feel like people kind of forgot about the beauty of the slow cooker. The hands-off nature of it. My favourite that I’ve had for eight years is this 6-quart slow cooker from KitchenAid. 

This meatball recipe is as easy as any meatball recipe out there. The first step is to mix the ingredients for the tomato sauce in the slow cooker, and then you mix and shape the meatballs. And everything cooks in the slow cooker at the same time. 

Yes, you read that right. All you need to do is turn your slow cooker on. 

Closeup of slow cooker meatballs on a spoon with basil sprinkled on top.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker? 

With this recipe, there is no need to brown the meatballs. They hold their shape and cook perfectly and end up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. You could also try using this method with my turkey and spinach meatballs.

The meatballs are gently simmered in the crockpot and the tomato sauce becomes luscious and rich. I like to use mixture of lean ground beef and pork for these so that the sauce doesn’t become greasy. 

Italian beef meatballs in the slow cooker with tomato sauce.

The secret to these meatballs comes from dried fennel. I find it gives them a hint of fennel without being overpowering. Think of the meatballs you’d have at your favourite Italian restaurant. 

The other secret to a rich, slow cooker tomato sauce comes from using an entire can of tomato paste. This adds a depth of flavour to the tomato sauce that you’d find in a slow simmered tomato sauce. 

Beef meatballs in slow cooker with tomato sauce and basil.

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Author: Louisa Clements
4.05 from 111 votes
A traditional, Italian style meatballs made with ground beef, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They are slow simmered in tomato sauce, to tender perfection in the crock pot and are perfect served over spaghetti. 
Pin Print
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 25 minutes
servings icon
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For Tomato Sauce

  • 1 28oz can whole tomatoes, broken up with a spoon
  • 1 5.5 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish

For Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb lean ground pork
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup minced parsley
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp fennel, crushed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • In the slow cooker, combine whole tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, carrot, garlic, salt and hot pepper flakes.
  • In a large bowl, mix beef, pork, eggs, bread crumbs, milk, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, fennel seeds, salt and pepper until combined.
  • Shape in 12 large meatballs and arrange meatballs on top of tomato sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until carrots are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into several meatballs reads 160F. Skim off fat. Serve sprinkled with basil.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: Dinner Recipes, easy, meat, slow cooker
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 161mg54%
Sodium 682mg30%
Potassium 631mg18%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 2098IU42%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 130mg13%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.
Slow cooker meatballs in tomato sauce serve on pasta

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Comments

  1. Fiori

    August 15, 2022 at 11:29 am

    I am making this recipe again as it is my favourite!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      August 19, 2022 at 10:33 pm

      So glad you love this recipe! It's one of my favourites.
      Reply
  2. Linda

    June 27, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    Excellent recipe! So easy and delicious. One of my favourite recipes from the first time I made it. Thank you!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      July 16, 2022 at 10:24 am

      I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Linda! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
      Reply
  3. Steph

    March 06, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    I don’t see the sugar listed in the instructions? I’m assuming it gets added into the sauce with the other ingredients in step 1, or at least I hope so cause that’s what I did! We shall see if these are teenager approved! I have a feeling she’s going to love them regardless! -Sincerely, a vegetarian momma <3 P.S. it smells so good! Nights like this really make me miss meat haha. Thanks for the recipe!
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      March 20, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      Hi Steph! Good catch, yes it gets added with the sauce. I hope your daughter enjoyed them!
      Reply
  4. Louis

    January 21, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    These are great and I speak from experience!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
  5. Fiori

    July 19, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    This is my favourite slow cooker recipe - the meatballs are FANTASTIC. Thank you Louisa!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      August 11, 2021 at 9:38 pm

      So glad you enjoy this recipe, thank you for letting me know!
      Reply
  6. Mark

    November 22, 2020 at 11:21 am

    Do I not need to brown them just a bit first to give them that stove top fried taste and prevent them from falling apart later? I've been told to sear everything before it goes in.
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      November 24, 2020 at 9:37 pm

      Hi Mark, for this recipe in the slow cooker, you don't need to brown them beforehand. Typically I like to brown ingredients before adding to the slow cooker, but I find this recipe doesn't need it! They end up really juicy and delicious and don't fall apart once they are done cooking.
      Reply
  7. Kevin

    September 15, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    I can't cook. These meatballs are amazing and so easy to make that even i could do it! I couldn't find crushed fennel so I did a little googling and ended up subbing in some ground coriander.
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      September 17, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      So glad you enjoyed these Kevin and were able to find a substitution! I typically use fennel seeds and just squash/crush them with my knife, or if you have a mortal and pestle you could use that as well. :)
      Reply
  8. Angela

    September 09, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    I had tried to make meatballs in sauce in the slow cooker before but was never satisfied. This recipe is flavorful and perfectly proportioned!
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      September 14, 2020 at 11:46 am

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Angela! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review--much appreciated!
      Reply
  9. Shirley Clements

    June 17, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    This recipe has all of the ingredients in it that I love (which includes fresh basil & fennel)! I will be picking up some fennel as my mouth is watering for the flavours in your yummy recipe ❣️
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
  10. Alisanne

    June 02, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Hello. I love your recipes! Thank you so much for sharing them. Two questions about this recipe; How many carrots do I chop up for the 6 serving recipe please? And am I right to assume 1 can of whole tomatoes is one 28 oz can? Thanks in advance!
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      July 15, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Alisanne, I am so sorry for my delay! I missed your comment. I'm so glad you enjoy my recipes! I've updated the recipe, my apologies for the mistakes, it should be one carrot and yes, a 28oz can of whole tomatoes. I hope you enjoy!
      Reply
  11. Shirley Clements

    May 31, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    I love your meatball recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  12. Summer Yule

    May 11, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    These are spectacular! I served our meatballs with sourdough bread to scoop up the sauce and a side of fresh spring asparagus. I loved that this made so much food, another meal is set this week! Awesome recipe! :D
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      May 15, 2020 at 10:03 am

      I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Summer! Thank you for letting me know.
      Reply
  13. mohan kumar

    March 16, 2020 at 7:57 am

    Nice blog to follow while preparing recipes.Thank you so much for sharing with us.
    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      March 22, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks Mohan, glad you're enjoying the recipes.
      Reply
  14. Thalia @ butter and brioche

    November 03, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Craving meatballs and spaghetti right now.. this looks SO delicious and I especially love that you can use a slow cooker! They are the best for times when I don't feel like cooking at all!
    Reply
    • Lou

      November 07, 2014 at 12:07 pm

      Thanks, Thalia! I agree, slow cookers are really the best.
      Reply
  15. Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean

    October 31, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    Shoot, I saw this book at Costco today (cool, right?) and I ALMOST bought it. But I didn't and now I'm kicking myself. I need to get on board with slow cooking....but I've had some fails and so it scares me a bit :-). Do you find that raw onion works ok in there? I had a traumatizing raw onion in the slow cooker experience. Someone told me I could make "caramelized onions" in there....and I literally spent an hour cutting onions that 10 hours later were disgustingly inedible.
    Reply
    • Lou

      November 03, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Oh Sarah, you should definitely pick up a copy if you see it again! I actually find the raw onions work really well in the slow cooker, I chop them up quite finely though. I can't say I've ever tried caramelized onions in the slow cooker, not sure I really want to now though...ha!
      Reply
  16. Jan @ Family Bites

    October 31, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    I've been on a slow cooker kick all week making three of my four dinners in one. I think the two of us are having a little love affair this week. These meatballs look fantastic, and your plating and pictures are gorgeous.
    Reply
    • Lou

      November 03, 2014 at 11:37 pm

      Thank you so much, Jan! I've been on a slow cooker kick also, must be the weather. xo!
      Reply
  17. Carole

    October 31, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I think I'll make these this weekend, thanks for the crockpot reminder
    Reply
    • Lou

      November 03, 2014 at 11:37 pm

      Thanks Carole, let me know how it goes!
      Reply
  18. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    October 31, 2014 at 8:56 am

    I love using my slow cooker! It's so easy to just throw your food in there and end up with a delicious meal hours later. These monster meatballs look delicious! What a great recipe for the slow cooker!
    Reply
    • Lou

      October 31, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks, Gayle! Slow cookers really are the best. Let me know if you give it a try!
      Reply
  19. anna @ annamayeveryday

    October 30, 2014 at 8:01 am

    I love meatballs and these Monster ones look fabulous!
    Reply
    • Lou

      October 31, 2014 at 1:11 pm

      Thank you, Anna! Let me know if you give them a try.
      Reply

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Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 12 years.
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