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Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

A hearty and comforting Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for an easy family dinner.

Ingredients

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Meatballs

  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 pounds ground beef

Sauce

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Hot cooked spaghetti, to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend, pepper, and salt. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs. Add ground beef and mix lightly but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  2. Shape and Brown Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-1/2 inch meatballs. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are evenly seared on all sides. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Prepare Sauce in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine chopped onion, chopped green pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried basil, oregano, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the browned meatballs into the sauce mixture in the slow cooker, stirring carefully to coat the meatballs without breaking them.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours until meatballs are cooked through and flavors are well melded.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot over cooked spaghetti noodles.

Notes

  • Browning the meatballs before slow cooking adds extra flavor and helps them hold together better during cooking.
  • For a spicier sauce, increase crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • You can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork and beef for richer flavor.
  • If pressed for time, cook on high for 3 hours but low and slow yields better taste and texture.
  • Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even searing.

Find it online: https://clovercuisine.com/slow-cooker-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe/