Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Italy with our mouthwatering Spaghetti and Meatballs Slow Cooker recipe! Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy meatballs simmered to perfection in a rich marinara sauce, all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This dish not only promises to satisfy your cravings but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe is a culinary hug you won’t want to miss. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using your hands, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 18-24 meatballs depending on size.
- Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker to create a base for the meatballs.
- Carefully place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered by the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and fully cooked.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions in a separate pot of salted boiling water.
- Drain the spaghetti and return to the pot. Gently transfer the meatballs and sauce from the slow cooker to the spaghetti, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality ground beef and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance their flavor and texture.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste. Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the dish even more.
- Layer Smartly: Always start with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to keep them moist.
- Cook Low and Slow: For the best results, stick to low heat for the full cooking time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meatballs to become tender.
- Serve with Style: When serving, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic sandwich filling or can be tossed into a salad for a quick lunch the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
