Slow Cooker Meatballs

slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs on white plate

Delicious slow cooker meatballs that are cooked in a rich red wine sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or Sunday dinner.

Course Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 15

Servings People

Calories 450kcal

Author Savory Thoughts

Equipment

Ingredients

1 Lb. Ground Beef 90% Lean - 10% Fat
2 Slices Bread Bread of your choice
¼ Cup Water
¼ Cup Fresh Chopped Parsley Divided
2 Garlic Cloves Minced; divided
1 Egg
¼ Cup Onions Diced; divided
1 ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt Or To Taste; divided
1 ½ Tsp. Black Pepper Or To Taste; divided
2 Tsp. Paprika Divided
3 Bay Leaves
1 Cup Red Wine See notes
32 Oz. Spaghetti Sauce

Instructions

In a small bowl, add ¼ cup of water to the bread. Use your hands to break the bread apart.
In a separate bowl, add the meat, then 1 tbsp. of the fresh parsley, 1 tsp. of the minced garlic, 1 tbsp. of the diced onions, 1 tsp. of Kosher salt and ½ tsp. of the black pepper, and 1 tsp. of paprika.
Lightly mix the meat and the ingredients, then add the eggs.
Use an ice cream scoop to help keep the meatballs in similar size. Then roll the meatballs in a circular motion with your hands.
Place the meatballs on a cookie sheet or tray and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
remove the meatballs from the oven and set aside.
In the instant pot or crockpot, add the Spaghetti sauce, then the meatballs, then the remaining seasoning (parsley, garlic, onions, salt and pepper paprika), then add the red wine.
Lightly stir to combine. Cover with the lid and slow cook for 3 hours.
Cook the pasta in accordance to the directions on the box. Serve the meatballs warm with pasta or sub. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Wine: Good quality wine is key. It is highly recommended that you use red wine. If you are worried about the alcohol in the wine, don’t worry. It will cook off.

The key to making the best slow cooked meatballs in a deep red wine pasta sauce, is to use good quality ingredients; this also include the wine. Use wine that you enjoy drinking.

Browning the meat: Browning your meatballs first will help them stay intact. Be sure to bind the meat so it does not fall apart.

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Calories are estimated per serving.

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