Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Steps to make

1. 1

   For sauce

   2 min
   

   Pour 2 cans whole plum tomatoes into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Use your hand or a potato masher to crush the tomatoes.

2. 2

   Add tomato paste, oil, and seasonings

   2 min
   

   Stir in 1 can tomato paste, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

4. 3

   For meatballs

   2 min
   

   In a food processor, combine 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped celery stalk, ½ cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, and 2 crushed garlic cloves and pulse to make a paste.

5. 4

   Combine meatball ingredients

   2 min
   

   To a large bowl, add the prepared paste, 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs, ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Use your hands to mix until just combined.

6. 5

   Roll meatballs

   5 min
   

   Wet your hands and roll the meatballs, about 1 ½-inch across, and nestle them into the sauce in the slow cooker.

7. 6

   Cook

   7h
   

   Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours.

8. 7

   Discard bay leaves

   

   Remove the bay leaves before serving.

9. 8

   Serve

   

   Serve and enjoy!