3-Ingredient Italian Meatballs Recipe

Discover how simple it can be to make delicious Italian meatballs in your slow cooker. With just three ingredients, this recipe delivers rich, savory meatballs that are perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.

Recipe Tips for Success

Before you start:

  • Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for best results
  • Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs
  • Roll meatballs in uniform size for even cooking
  • Layer carefully in slow cooker to prevent sticking

3-Ingredient Italian Meatballs
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3-Ingredient Italian Meatballs

Course: MainCuisine: Italian
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

13

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

380

kcal

Delicious Italian meatballs made simple in your slow cooker with just 3 basic ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

  • 1 pack Italian seasoning mix

Directions

  • Mix ground beef with Italian seasoning
  • Form into 1-inch meatballs
  • Place meatballs in slow cooker
  • Pour marinara sauce over meatballs
  • Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours
  • Serve hot over pasta or in sandwiches

Notes

  • Perfect for special occasions or simple weeknight dinners

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • Make meatball subs with melted cheese
  • Offer as appetizers with toothpicks
  • Pair with garlic bread and salad

Storage Instructions

  • Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months
  • Reheat in sauce to maintain moisture

Common Questions

  • Can I use different meat? Yes, try turkey or a beef/pork mix
  • Can I add more seasonings? Absolutely, customize to taste
  • How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart? Avoid overhandling the meat mixture
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