Slow Simmered Homemade Meatballs with Zesty Marinara

This Crock Pot Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, blending classic Italian flavors with the effortless convenience of a slow cooker. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmering all day in a rich, vibrant homemade marinara, filling your kitchen with an aroma that promises a truly satisfying meal. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating a memorable experience, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends.

Indulge in the Heartwarming Flavors of Slow Cooker Meatballs and Homemade Marinara

There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic dish of spaghetti and meatballs. While the ease of a quality jarred sauce often wins on busy weeknights, there are moments when the desire for a truly homemade meal takes over. For me, those moments are a joy. Cooking from scratch transforms my kitchen into a haven of delightful scents, especially when garlic sizzles gently in olive oil. This recipe for Crock Pot Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is designed for those days when you crave authentic, deep flavors without being tethered to the stovetop. It brings together the best of both worlds: the rich complexity of a slow-simmered sauce and perfectly tender meatballs, all prepared with minimal fuss thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

Embrace the art of slow cooking and discover how simple it is to achieve gourmet results. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a marinara that tastes like it’s been cooked for generations. Paired with succulent, seasoned meatballs, it’s a culinary masterpiece that demands little of your active time, leaving you free to enjoy your day while dinner takes care of itself. Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this incredible slow cooker rendition of a beloved Italian classic.

Unlocking the Secrets to a Delicious Homemade Marinara Sauce in Your Slow Cooker

The foundation of any great spaghetti and meatballs dish lies in its marinara sauce. The key to a truly flavorful marinara is patience, allowing it to slowly simmer and develop depth. This is precisely where the slow cooker shines. By using a Crock Pot, you eliminate the need for constant stirring and monitoring, freeing up your day while your sauce transforms into a rich, aromatic delight. The prolonged, gentle heat of the slow cooker coaxes out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and allows the herbs and spices to infuse thoroughly, resulting in a robust and deeply satisfying sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours on a Nonna’s stove.

One of the best tips for enhancing your homemade marinara is to incorporate fresh herbs whenever possible. I’m a big advocate for growing basic herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, and rosemary in pots on my back porch. They’re surprisingly easy to maintain and provide an unparalleled freshness that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. The vibrant notes of fresh basil and fragrant oregano will elevate your sauce to new heights. However, don’t despair if fresh herbs aren’t an option; dried herbs work wonderfully too. Just remember to use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as their flavor is more concentrated. The slow cooker will ensure that even dried herbs release their full aromatic potential, making your marinara unforgettable.

This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows you to enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your home as the ingredients slowly meld together. It’s a truly hands-off approach to creating a restaurant-quality marinara that will impress everyone at your table. Serve this magnificent sauce and meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti, perhaps alongside a crisp Caesar salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread (whether store-bought or homemade, depending on your mood!).

Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce:

Crafting a truly exceptional marinara starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a rich and flavorful sauce that’s both authentic and incredibly satisfying:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base for sautéing garlic and building flavor. Choose a good quality oil for the best taste.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is paramount for that classic Italian aroma and taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of your marinara. Two large cans provide a hearty, substantial sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a smoother texture and enhances the overall tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor that adds depth and richness.
• Water: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency during the long simmer.
• Grated Parmesan Romano: Introduces a salty, umami note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
• Sugar: A small amount balances the acidity of the tomatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, aromatic lift to the sauce. Essential for true Italian flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, clean herbaceous note.
• Fresh Oregano: Adds a classic savory, slightly peppery depth.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for a touch of warmth and spice.

Perfect Meatballs: The Essential Ingredients:

No spaghetti and marinara is complete without perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs. These ingredients ensure a moist and flavorful meatball that holds its shape and soaks up all the delicious sauce.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, but a mix of beef and pork can add even more flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their form and contributing to tenderness.
• Bread Crumbs (Italian or Garlic & Herb): Add moisture, texture, and additional flavor. Italian-seasoned crumbs are ideal.
• Grated Parmesan Romano: Infuses the meatballs with savory, cheesy goodness.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for aromatic, flavorful meatballs.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat thoroughly.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Homemade Crock Pot Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Making this hearty comfort food is simpler than you might think, especially with the magic of a slow cooker. Follow these steps to create a truly unforgettable meal.

For the Sauce:

Begin by preparing your flavorful marinara sauce:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in your slow cooker if it has a sauté setting (like a Ninja Cooker). This step helps build flavor and minimizes dirty dishes. If your slow cooker doesn’t have this feature, simply combine the garlic and oil directly with the other sauce ingredients in the pot.

2. Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil. Cook and stir for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly. This quick sauté enhances the garlic’s natural sweetness.

3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. These form the rich, tangy base of your marinara.

4. Next, add the grated Parmesan Romano cheese blend, sugar, fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano), and pepper. The cheese adds a salty depth, while the sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Cover your slow cooker and set it to the low setting. The sauce will begin its slow, flavorful journey.

For the Meatballs:

While your sauce begins to simmer, prepare your delicious meatballs.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, lightly beaten eggs, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan Romano cheese blend, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. For the best consistency and quickest mixing, I find it easiest to get in there and mix everything thoroughly with my hands, much like preparing meatloaf.

2. Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. A 1/4 cup spring-loaded scooper can make this task much faster and ensures uniform meatballs that cook evenly.

3. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the formed meatballs to the skillet.

4. Brown the meatballs on all sides. The goal here isn’t to cook them through, but rather to create a delicious crust and seal in their juices. This browning step adds a depth of flavor that’s crucial for the finished dish.

5. Once browned, carefully transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker, nestling them gently into the simmering marinara sauce.

6. Cover the slow cooker once more and continue to cook on the low setting for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and incredibly tender, and the sauce has reached its full flavor potential. The long cooking time ensures the meatballs absorb all the wonderful flavors of the marinara.

When you’re ready to serve, simply prepare your favorite spaghetti or pasta according to its package directions. Ladle the rich homemade marinara and tender meatballs generously over the pasta, and if desired, top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is truly perfect served with a crisp Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your slow-cooking labor!

Craving More Comfort Food Recipes?

If you loved this Crock Pot Meatballs and Marinara, you’ll surely enjoy these other delicious recipes. From hearty ragus to creative meatball variations and classic pasta dishes, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Explore new family favorites and expand your slow cooker repertoire!

• Crock Pot Beef Ragu
• Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• Meatball Parmesan Skillet
• Crock Pot Party Meatballs
• Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Best Baked Ziti
• Meatball Sub Casserole
• Crock Pot Meatball Stroganoff
• Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Best Baked Spaghetti
• Chicken Spaghetti (no Rotel)
• Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara
• Spaghetti ‘Cupcakes’
• Instant Pot Meatballs

Crock Pot Homemade Meatballs and Marinara

This Crock Pot Homemade Meatballs and Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Fresh ingredients simmered all day in a slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort!

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Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
8 hours

Total Time:
8 hours 20 minutes

Servings:
6

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan Romano cheese blend
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan Romano cheese blend
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

For the Sauce:

1. Add garlic and oil to the crock pot. Note: If your slow cooker has a sauté setting, sauté the oil and garlic together for about a minute until fragrant. If not, simply combine them with the other sauce ingredients.
2. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
3. Add cheese, sugar, herbs, and seasoning. Give it all a good stir.
4. Cover and put crock pot on the low setting.

For the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients. Shape into 12 meatballs.
2. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
3. Add meatballs to the sauce in the crock pot.
4. Cover and continue to cook with the sauce for about 6-8 hours (until meatballs are cooked through.)

Notes

When ready to serve, prepare your spaghetti according to package directions for the best results. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal |
Carbohydrates: 18g |
Protein: 21g |
Fat: 24g |
Sodium: 693mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 8g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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