Easy & Delicious Meatball Crockpot Recipe

Making dinner simpler doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, especially with a fantastic slow cooker meal. This ultimate meatball crockpot recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight solution or an easy dish for entertaining. You get tender, savory meatballs bathed in a rich sauce, all cooked hands-off in your slow cooker. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a true family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Crockpot Recipe

This isn’t just another meal; it’s a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike. Discover why this meatball crockpot recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
• Rich, Comforting Flavors: Every bite is packed with savory goodness from the slowly simmered sauce and tender meatballs.
• Versatile for Meals or Appetizers: Serve them over pasta for dinner or as a hearty appetizer for your next gathering.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot means less washing up, giving you more time to relax.
• Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this delicious dish.

Ingredients

To make this delicious meatball crockpot recipe a reality, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients for the meatballs and pantry staples for the flavorful sauce. This combination ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds ground meat (beef)
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients for this meatball crockpot recipe. For the meat, a blend of ground beef offers the best flavor and moisture, but 100% ground beef works beautifully too. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Feel free to use fresh herbs like oregano or basil instead of dried Italian seasoning; just remember that fresh herbs are typically used in larger quantities (about 3 times more) for the same intensity. For an even quicker option, you can absolutely use a 32-ounce bag of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs – just skip the meatball prep steps!

Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker meal. Gathering these items beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

• A large slow cooker (6-quart capacity is ideal)
• Several mixing bowls for preparing ingredients
• Standard measuring cups and spoons
• A large skillet (optional, for browning meatballs)

Instructions

Creating this flavorful meatball crockpot recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and your slow cooker will handle most of the work for you. Prepare to enjoy perfectly tender meatballs in a rich, savory sauce.

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking. You should get about 28-32 meatballs.
3. Optional Browning: For extra flavor and a slightly firmer texture, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. You don’t need to cook them through. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
4. Assemble the Sauce: In your 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Gently place the formed (or browned) meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker. Arrange them so they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
7. Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve your delicious meatball crockpot recipe hot with your favorite accompaniments.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect results with your meatball crockpot recipe is easy with a few expert tips. Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. For perfectly uniform meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure. Always taste your sauce before and after cooking, adjusting seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to suit your preference. Make sure not to overcrowd your slow cooker; cook in batches if necessary, so the meatballs cook evenly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides comprehensive guidelines on the safe minimum internal temperature for ground meat. Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked. If your sauce is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile meatball crockpot recipe offers endless possibilities for serving, storage, and exciting flavor twists. For a hearty main course, spoon the tender meatballs and rich sauce over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy polenta. They are also fantastic tucked into crusty rolls for delicious meatball subs, or simply served on their own as a comforting appetizer for parties.

Once cooked, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Delicious Flavor Variations

• Classic Italian: Boost the authentic Italian flavor by adding a splash of red wine to the sauce and stirring in fresh basil or oregano during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sweet & Sour: For a vibrant twist, incorporate diced pineapple chunks and bell peppers into the sauce, along with a touch of brown sugar and rice vinegar.
• BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs: This popular variation uses frozen, fully cooked meatballs. Simply combine an 18-ounce jar of grape jelly with an 18-ounce jar of BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, add a 32-ounce bag of frozen meatballs, and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours until heated through and saucy.
• Swedish Style: Transform your meatballs by swapping the tomato sauce for a creamy, dill-infused sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of allspice.

Nutrition Information

This meatball crockpot recipe offers a substantial, protein-rich meal. While specific nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, a serving typically provides a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided below is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, preparation methods, and portion sizes. It is intended for informational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional dietary advice.

To lighten this dish, opt for leaner ground meat (like ground turkey or chicken) or increase the vegetable content in the sauce.

FAQ

You might have a few questions as you prepare this delightful meatball crockpot recipe. Here are some common queries answered to help you on your way.

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Using frozen, pre-cooked meatballs is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and extend the cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring they are heated through.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?
Browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker is optional but highly recommended. It adds a deeper, richer flavor and helps them hold their shape better, creating a more robust meatball crockpot recipe.

How long can I keep them warm?
For guidelines on keeping food safely warm in a slow cooker, consult resources from FoodSafety.gov. Once cooked, your slow cooker can typically keep the meatballs warm on the “warm” setting for up to 2-4 hours. Always ensure the internal temperature stays above 140°F (60°C) for food safety.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dairy-free. Simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese for serving, and ensure your choice of breadcrumbs is dairy-free.

What if my sauce is too thin/thick?
If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, add a little extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This meatball crockpot recipe truly embodies simplicity and comfort, perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious meal without a fuss. Its hands-off nature makes it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks, delivering tender, flavorful meatballs in a rich, savory sauce. It’s incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into weeknight dinners or as an easy appetizer for your next gathering. Try this recipe soon, and discover your new favorite comfort food solution that promises big flavor with minimal effort. We’d love to hear how you enjoy it – share your experiences in the comments below!

Easy & Delicious Meatball Crockpot Recipe

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy nights or entertaining. Packed with flavor and minimal prep!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds ground meat (beef)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for meatballs)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for meatballs)
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Mixing Bowls for meatball mixture and sauce
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• skillet (optional) for browning meatballs

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. You should get around 28–32 meatballs.
3. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat, 2–3 minutes per side. This adds flavor but is not required.
4. In your slow cooker, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently add the meatballs into the sauce. Arrange so they’re mostly submerged.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot over pasta or as an appetizer, topped with Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Swap for frozen meatballs if short on time. To lighten it up, use lean turkey or chicken. Add red wine or fresh herbs for Italian flair.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com