From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/8
Warning0 allergens identified
Crock Pot Italian Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs
Spicy Tomato Sauce
Instructions
1
Mix ground beef and sausage into a large mixing bowl. (When it comes to ground meat, using your hands is honestly the best way to mix well!)
2
In a separate small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the eggs. Mix thoroughly.
3
Add contents of the small bowl into the large mixing bowl. Mix well.
4
Add eggs and continue to mix, and don’t be afraid to use your hands.
5
Roll mixture into meatballs, about two tablespoons each, and place at the bottom of your slow cooker.
6
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine all tomato sauce ingredients together and mix well.
7
Pour tomato sauce on top of meatballs in the slow cooker.
8
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. (My slow cooker cooks a little too quickly, so if yours is like mine, then I’d cut the time down to 3.5 hours on high and 6-7 hours on low.
9
Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a salad!
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Brown Meatballs First for Depth 🍖Sear the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker to develop a flavorful crust and caramelized exterior that enriches the overall sauce.
- Toast Spices to Amplify Heat 🔥Lightly toast the smoked paprika and chipotle chili pepper in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the meat mixture to unlock their full smoky and spicy potential.
- Use Fresh Basil as Final Flourish 🌿Reserve fresh basil and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor, which would otherwise fade during the 4-6 hour slow cook time.
- Bloom Tomato Paste for Richer Sauce 🍅Sauté the tomato paste in olive oil for 2-3 minutes before combining with other sauce ingredients to caramelize it and develop deeper, more complex tomato flavors.
- Add Moisture Through Vegetables 🥕Finely mince the celery, carrot, and red onion rather than dicing them; they'll break down into the sauce naturally, thickening it while releasing their sweet aromatics without needing added liquid.
Recipe Facts
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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