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Jay

Slow Cooker Cheesy Meatballs Recipe

4.72 from 184 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta chesse
  • 2 eggs
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated or finely chopped)
  • 1 handful parsley (chopped)
  • 10 leaves basil (chopped)
  • 2 tbs oregano (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 bottles your favorite tomato sauce
  • 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. First place the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and all the herbs in a bowl. Mix well to combine.
  2. Next add the beef, a big pinch salt and pepper, and panko bread crumbs to the bowl.
  3. Combine gently all the ingredients until mixed well.
  4. Now roll into meatballs the size of golf balls and set aside. 
  5. Pour all of the first bottle of sauce  in the slow cooker.  Nestle as many meatballs as you can get next to each other in the sauce. 
  6. Next pour half of the second bottle of sauce over the meatballs. 
  7. Now layer the remaining meatballs on the sauce and then top with the remaining sauce.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours
  9. When done enjoy! 

Notes

  • The meatballs freeze really well! They last 4-5 months in the freezer.
  • If make your own sauce, use 3-4 cups of tomato sauce.
  • A fun spin on this recipe would be to stuff meatballs with small chunk of mozzarella.
  • To serve add fresh parm, some basil and drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.