Crock-Pot Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, these meatballs deliver rich flavor and are incredibly easy to make. The best part? You can toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a savory meal.
This Crock-Pot Meatball recipe takes just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. With a variety of flavor options and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned home cooks. Let’s dive into how to prepare this hearty dish!
Ingredients for Crock-Pot Meatballs
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make Crock-Pot Meatballs
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- Start by placing the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the Meatballs
- Once the mixture is ready, roll it into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can make them smaller or larger, depending on your preference, but remember that smaller meatballs cook faster.
- For perfectly round meatballs, try using a cookie scoop or your hands to ensure uniform size.
- Place in the Crock-Pot
- Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of the Crock-Pot. Arrange the meatballs gently on top of the sauce. It’s okay if they’re stacked on top of one another—they’ll cook evenly and absorb the sauce’s flavor.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook the meatballs on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The meatballs will absorb the sauce and become incredibly tender as they cook.
- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve them hot. They can be paired with pasta, served on sub rolls for meatball sandwiches, or enjoyed as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock-Pot Meatballs
- Use lean meat: If you want a leaner version of this recipe, ground turkey or chicken works well as an alternative to beef.
- Frozen meatballs: If you don’t have time to make meatballs from scratch, you can use frozen meatballs. Simply add them to the Crock-Pot with the marinara sauce and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for 1.5–2 hours.
- Customizing the Sauce: If you like a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce. For a creamy twist, you can even add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.
Why Crock-Pot Meatballs Are Perfect for Busy Days
Crock-Pot meals, in general, are great for busy days, and this meatball recipe is no exception. The slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, which is perfect when you have a busy schedule. Once you have all the ingredients in the pot, you don’t need to keep an eye on it, giving you more time to focus on other things.
In addition to being time-saving, this recipe is also versatile. Whether you’re making a batch for dinner, a party, or even meal prep, Crock-Pot Meatballs are the ideal dish for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions for Crock-Pot Meatballs
Crock-Pot Meatballs are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Spaghetti: You can’t go wrong with classic spaghetti and meatballs. Just serve your Crock-Pot Meatballs over a plate of pasta for a comforting Italian meal.
- Meatball Sub: Serve the meatballs in a hoagie bun with melted mozzarella cheese on top for an easy and delicious sandwich.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, adding a nice creamy texture.
- Rice: Serve the meatballs with a side of rice for a lighter meal or use a healthier grain like quinoa or farro.
- As an Appetizer: Make smaller meatballs and serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer for a party or holiday gathering.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover meatballs, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze Crock-Pot Meatballs for later use. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw and reheat in the Crock-Pot on low until heated through.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs back into the Crock-Pot with a bit of marinara sauce and heat on low for 1–2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crock-Pot Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. Simply place the uncooked meatballs into a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs are a great option. Just add them to the Crock-Pot with the marinara sauce and cook for 2-4 hours depending on the size of the meatballs.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce is a great way to make this recipe even heartier and more flavorful.
Conclusion
Crock-Pot Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish that can be made for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving a weeknight dinner, or looking for a satisfying meal to make ahead, this recipe is a go-to favorite. With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and a slow-cooking method, you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with ease!
