If you’re craving a comforting, hands-off dinner that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone together around the table, look no further than this Crockpot Meatballs Recipe. It’s a deliciously hearty dish where tender, juicy meatballs slowly cook in a rich, fragrant tomato sauce, making every bite bursting with layered flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight supper or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, each playing a vital role in building the comforting flavor and perfect texture of your meatballs and sauce. From fresh herbs to savory cheese, everything combines beautifully to create that classic Italian-inspired taste we all love.
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef: The hearty base that keeps your meatballs juicy yet lean.
- â…“ cup Italian bread crumbs: Adds just the right amount of binding and a subtle crunch inside the meatballs.
- ¼ cup finely diced onion: Brings sweetness and depth to each succulent bite.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty flavor that enriches the meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue to hold all ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides that warm, aromatic blend of herbs for authentic flavor.
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Forms the chunky, vibrant tomato base for the sauce.
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (or marinara sauce): Adds richness and layers of classic tomato flavor.
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned): Gives the sauce a thicker, luscious texture.
- 2 cloves garlic: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch of garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Repeats the warm herbaceous note, tying sauce and meatballs together seamlessly.
How to Make Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure the meatballs won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. This simple step makes a big difference when it’s time to serve and clean up.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients—ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Using a tablespoon, carefully shape the mixture into 24 even meatballs. The size matters because it ensures they cook evenly. Place the uncooked meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), pasta or marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This vibrant sauce combines different textures and flavors, creating a rich, savory pool for your meatballs to simmer in.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they’re fully covered. Set the slow cooker on high and let the magic happen for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process makes the meatballs tender and infused with all the juicy, tomatoey sauce flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, scoop the meatballs and sauce over your choice of pasta or enjoy as is. The sauce is so flavorful it pairs beautifully with simple spaghetti or even garlic bread for dipping.
How to Serve Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crockpot Meatballs Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of red pepper flakes also adds a nice touch of flavor and color to the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside a crisp green salad for freshness or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to keep things balanced. Garlic bread or a loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce and rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving your Crockpot Meatballs Recipe as a hearty meatball sub sandwich with melted mozzarella or provolone. You can also turn leftovers into a meatball pizza topping or skewer them for party appetizers with dipping sauces on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs and sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days, making this recipe a perfect option for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately or together. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. This lets you enjoy the comforting taste of your Crockpot Meatballs Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and to preserve the tender texture of the meatballs.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While this Crockpot Meatballs Recipe uses lean ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork for different flavors and textures.
Is it possible to make the meatballs ahead and freeze before cooking?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them directly in the slow cooker with the sauce but add extra cooking time.
How thick should the meatballs be?
Using a tablespoon to shape the meatballs keeps them around golf ball size, which is perfect for slow cooking—small enough to cook evenly but large enough to stay tender.
Can I cook these meatballs on low in the crockpot?
Yes, cooking on low for about 6-7 hours will also yield delicious, tender meatballs, though the time will obviously be longer compared to cooking on high.
Do I have to add Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a great depth of flavor, you can omit it or substitute with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese if preferred. It does make the meatballs more flavorful and moist, so it’s well worth including.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Meatballs Recipe is just one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again—the kind that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple, flavorful, and truly comforting, with the slow cooker taking all the work off your plate. Give it a try and get ready to watch it become a beloved staple in your home as well as an easy go-to for any occasion.
Print
Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crockpot Meatballs recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy tender, homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal, these meatballs are made with lean ground beef, fresh herbs, and Italian seasonings, then slow-cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- â…“ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 24 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, finely diced onion, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using a tablespoon, shape the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the formed uncooked meatballs in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate large bowl, mix the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), pasta or marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well covered. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot over your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
