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Overhead view of a slow cooker filled with meatballs in tomato sauce, next to two plates of pasta topped with meatballs and sauce, with forks placed beside the plates on a striped cloth.
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Slow Cooker Mozzarella Meatballs

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Meatballs combine juicy, stuffed meatballs with a rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 704kcal
Author: Melissa Griffiths

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 4 cups tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought (2 jars store-bought)

Instructions

  • Cut the mozzarella into ¾-inch cubes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, and parsley. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
  • Pour half of a jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Roll the mixture into golf ball–sized meatballs.
  • Press one mozzarella cube into the center of each meatball, then shape the meat mixture around it to completely enclose the cheese.
  • Arrange the meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer. When you fill the bottom, pour the second half of the pasta sauce on top, finish rolling your meatballs, and put them on top of the sauce. When you have used all the meat mixture, pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
  • Cover and cook on High for 2 to 2 ½ hours or Low for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  • Serve hot over pasta, on toasted hoagie rolls, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, swap the hot Italian sausage for mild or sweet Italian sausage.
  • Browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds extra flavor but is optional.
  • If you are feeling like adding the cheese is tedious, you can skip it! It's still a REALLY good meatball recipe and one of my family's favorite meals with or without cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 2567mg | Potassium: 1006mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 5mg