Here’s a simple and delicious Slow Cooker Meatballs recipe — great for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck. You can use store-bought or homemade meatballs, depending on your preference.
🍝 Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕕 Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low) or 2–3 hours (on high)
🍽 Serves: 4–6
✅ Ingredients:
For store-bought option:
-
1 (32 oz) bag of frozen meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based)
For homemade meatballs (optional):
-
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
-
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/4 cup milk
-
1 egg
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp pepper
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce:
-
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or pasta sauce
-
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional for more sauce)
-
1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
-
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make Homemade Meatballs (if using):
-
Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl.
-
Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls (makes about 20–24).
-
Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet with a little oil (2–3 minutes per side) for more flavor.
2. Assemble in Slow Cooker:
-
Place frozen or homemade meatballs in the slow cooker.
-
Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes.
-
Stir in seasonings and mix gently to coat meatballs.
3. Cook:
-
Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
-
Stir occasionally if possible.
4. Serve:
-
Serve over spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes, or in sub rolls with melted mozzarella or provolone.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and grated Parmesan.
🔄 Variations:
-
BBQ Meatballs: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara.
-
Swedish Style: Use cream of mushroom soup + sour cream instead of red sauce.
-
Sweet & Sour: Use grape jelly + chili sauce for a party-friendly twist.
Would you like a printable version, a meal prep plan, or a homemade sauce recipe to go with it?