Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Panko or Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz jarred marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until ingredients are just incorporated, then roll into 1.5-inch spheres.
  2. Pour the marinara sauce, olive oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes into the bottom of the slow cooker and stir until smooth.
  3. Carefully nestle the beef meatballs into the sauce in a single or slightly overlapping layer.
  4. Cover with the lid and set to High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours until meatballs are firm and sauce is bubbling.