Ingredients and preparation
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Preparation:
Start by combining the ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. The combination of these two meats gives the meatballs a rich flavor and tender texture. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the bowl. These ingredients will help bind the meatballs together and infuse them with classic Italian flavors.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. This mixture will add moisture to the meatballs, ensuring they stay juicy as they cook. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the meat mixture, then sprinkle in the oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The oregano adds a fragrant, earthy note, while the red pepper flakes give a subtle kick of heat.
Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough. Once everything is evenly mixed, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
Cooking instructions
Once your meatballs are formed, it’s time to get them cooking. Begin by lightly browning the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice caramelized crust to the outside of the meatballs. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet and, working in batches, sear the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they are browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the crock pot.
After browning, transfer the meatballs to your crock pot. If you prefer to skip the browning step, you can place the raw meatballs directly into the crock pot, but keep in mind that they may be slightly softer in texture.
Next, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. The sauce will not only cook the meatballs but also infuse them with its rich, tomatoey flavor. If you like, you can add a bit more sauce or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Set your crock pot to low and cook the meatballs for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours instead. The low and slow method is ideal for allowing the flavors to meld together and for the meatballs to become incredibly tender. During the cooking process, the meatballs will absorb the sauce, becoming juicy and flavorful.
About halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the meatballs to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce. Be careful not to break them apart while stirring, as they will be quite tender at this point.
Once the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. If they need a bit more time, simply cover the crock pot and let them cook for another 15-30 minutes.
Serving suggestions and tips
When it comes to serving these Italian meatballs, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. One of the most classic pairings is to serve them over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The rich marinara sauce that the meatballs have been simmering in will coat the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty meal. Be sure to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving the meatballs alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The meatballs are flavorful enough to stand on their own, and the freshness of the salad or the caramelized sweetness of the roasted veggies will complement them perfectly.
For a more casual meal, these meatballs make an excellent filling for sandwiches. Grab some crusty Italian rolls, slice them open, and stuff them with a few meatballs and a generous spoonful of sauce. Top with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meatball sub. You can even toast the sandwich in the oven for a few minutes to get the bread crispy and the cheese bubbly.
If you’re hosting a party or looking for an appetizer idea, these meatballs can also be served as a crowd-pleasing finger food. Simply place them on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to offer something hearty and flavorful.
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the meatballs before serving. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs and adds a gourmet flair to the dish.
Lastly, don’t forget to serve some warm, crusty bread on the side. Whether you’re enjoying the meatballs with pasta, salad, or on their own, a slice of bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.