Tuscan Meatballs & Gnocchi: Slow Cooker Recipe

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Tuscan meatballs with gnocchi, prepared in a slow cooker, offer a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, creating a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. — Made Hoops East Mania: Top Highlights And Standout Players

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process, allowing flavors to meld together over time. It's an excellent method for making meatballs tender and infusing them with the aromatic Tuscan sauce. — Russian Manicure Santa Clarita: Find Top Salons

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
  • 1 jar (24 oz) Tuscan-style pasta sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is optional but enhances the overall taste.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the browned (or unbrowned) meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the Tuscan-style pasta sauce and diced tomatoes over the meatballs. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Add Gnocchi: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the gnocchi. Ensure the gnocchi is fully submerged in the sauce.
  6. Serve: Once the gnocchi is tender, serve the Tuscan meatballs and gnocchi in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil.

Tips and Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese over the dish before serving for a cheesy twist.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
  • Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the slow cooker Tuscan meatballs with gnocchi with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Its ease and deliciousness make it a go-to dish for any home cook. — Adam Sandler On Israel: His Thoughts?

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make slow cooker Tuscan meatballs with gnocchi! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.