Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Ground Beef/Pork Mix (50/50)
  • 5 lb Italian Sausage (casings removed)
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Milk or Cream
  • 2 Tbsp Freshly Chopped Parsley
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (for optional browning)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • 2 medium Carrots, diced
  • 2 medium Celery Stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 8 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 5 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 large Bay Leaf
  • 1 (16 oz) package Frozen Cheese Tortellini
  • 2 cups packed Fresh Spinach (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine all meatball ingredients (ground meats through salt/pepper). Mix lightly to avoid tough meatballs. Roll mixture into uniform 1-inch balls (about 30-35 total).
  2. (Optional but recommended) Quickly sear meatballs in olive oil in batches until browned on all sides. Drain excess fat. If skipping, proceed directly to the next step by adding raw meatballs to the slow cooker.
  3. If you skipped searing, sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a pan until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the sautéed vegetables (or add raw vegetables if using a dedicated slow cooker insert) to the 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and bay leaf.
  5. Gently nestle the seared (or raw) meatballs into the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf. Increase the heat to HIGH if needed. Stir in the frozen tortellini. Cook uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach (if using) until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese before serving hot.