Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
608 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
Description
The dish begins by mixing ground beef with egg, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to form a meatball mixture. After shaping into 12 meatballs, they are layered over a base of marinara sauce infused with fresh basil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning inside a greased slow cooker. The meatballs cook covered for several hours until firm and cooked through.
Then, broken spaghetti noodles are added directly to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. The noodles cook within the sauce for 15–25 minutes until tender, completing the meal in the same pot. The final step involves stirring and serving topped with grated Parmesan and additional fresh basil or thyme for brightness.
This method produces moist, flavorful meatballs with a balanced herb and garlic presence complemented by the softened pasta. Serving the dish hot brings together the rich marinara and cheese-enhanced finish. It’s ideal for an easy family dinner or a casual gathering.
Choosing a marinara with garlic and herbs enhances the sauce’s depth. Meatballs should be formed evenly to cook consistently. Adjust seasoning to taste after cooking if desired.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles broken in half
- Parmesan Cheese grated
- basil optional, or thyme, for garnish
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 ounce jar marinara sauce
- ⅓ cup basil finely chopped, packed, fresh
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until mixture is blended. Form mixture into 12 balls. Set aside.
- In a greased slow cooker, combine marinara sauce, basil, garlic, and Italian seasoning and stir. Arrange meatballs on top of sauce. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Uncover and use a fork or tongs to transfer meatballs to a plate. Add noodles to slow cooker making sure the noodles are covered by the sauce. Return meatballs to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high 15-25 minutes until noodles are softened. Give it a stir, then top with fresh basil or thyme and grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use your preferred marinara sauce, with garlic and herb flavors enhancing the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 608 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 608kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 70g | 23% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 118mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 426mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 599mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 95IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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