Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 24 oz no-sugar-added marinara sauce
  • ½ cup water or low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with hands until just combined, then roll into 1.5-inch spheres.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown each side for 2-3 minutes until a deep mahogany crust forms.
  3. Pour the no-sugar-added marinara and water or beef broth into the slow cooker.
  4. Carefully nestle the seared meatballs into the sauce. Sprinkle with dried basil and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 7-8 hours.
  6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.