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Glistening meatballs in a rich, dark sauce, ideal for a meatball crockpot recipe.

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!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
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.