There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of tender, saucy meatballs. Whether they’re served over spaghetti, in a hearty sub, or as a standalone appetizer, meatballs are a dish that never fails to delight. But making them from scratch can sometimes feel intimidating—until now. With Crockpot Meatballs, you can create flavorful, juicy meatballs with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, ensuring your meatballs are perfectly cooked and infused with rich, savory flavors.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Meatballs
Crockpot meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or parties. They’re easy to make, taste incredible, and leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a juicy, flavorful base, while the slow cooker ensures the meatballs stay tender and absorb all the delicious sauce.
Ingredients for Crockpot Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleasing recipe:
| Meatballs | Sauce |
| 1 pound ground beef | 2 (24-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes |
| 1 pound ground pork | 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste |
| ¼ cup onion, minced | 2 whole bay leaves |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes |
| 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped | ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning |
| 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs | Salt and pepper to taste |
| 2 eggs | Basil and parmesan cheese for serving (optional) |
| ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Meatballs
1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together using your hands until the ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Forming the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into balls that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
3. Broiling the Meatballs
- Lightly grease a baking sheet and place the meatballs on it.
- Broil on high for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the meatballs are browned. This step locks in the juices and gives the meatballs a flavorful crust.
4. Assembling the Crockpot
- Transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker.
- Top with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
5. Cooking the Meatballs
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
6. Finishing Touches
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil or extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why Crockpot Meatballs Are So Good
1. Tender and Juicy
The combination of beef and pork ensures a perfectly tender texture, while the slow cooker prevents the meatballs from drying out.
2. Rich, Flavorful Sauce
The crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings create a sauce that’s robust and delicious.
3. Effortless Cooking
With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, this recipe is perfect for even the busiest of days.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Meatballs
1. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh parsley, garlic, and parmesan cheese elevate the flavor of your meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs First
Broiling the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
4. Let the Sauce Simmer
Cooking on Low for 4 hours gives the sauce plenty of time to thicken and develop its flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Meatballs
1. Over Pasta
Serve the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
2. Meatball Subs
Place the meatballs in a hoagie roll, top with cheese, and broil until melted for a hearty sandwich.
3. As an Appetizer
Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer.
4. With Garlic Bread
Pair the meatballs with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (3 meatballs) |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
This dish is both satisfying and packed with protein, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Broiling Step
Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Using Too Much Salt
Since the parmesan and breadcrumbs already contain salt, add additional salt sparingly.
3. Overcrowding the Crockpot
Make sure the meatballs are evenly spaced to ensure even cooking.
4. Overcooking
Stick to the recommended 4 hours on Low to avoid overcooked, mushy meatballs.
How to Customize Your Crockpot Meatballs
1. Add Heat
Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
2. Try Different Meats
Swap the pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
3. Use Alternative Sauces
Experiment with marinara, vodka sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs About Crockpot Meatballs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are gluten-free.
2. How do I store leftover meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze Crockpot meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
4. Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
If using store-bought frozen meatballs, you can add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Adjust cooking time if necessary.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the increased quantity without overcrowding.
6. How do I reheat the meatballs?
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Crockpot Meatballs
Crockpot Meatballs are the perfect combination of ease and flavor. With their tender texture, rich sauce, and versatile serving options, they’re a dish you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a comforting meal that’s as simple as it is delicious.
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Crockpot Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 meatballs
Description
These tender, juicy meatballs are cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, all in your slow cooker. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or topping for pasta, Crockpot Meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 (24-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 whole bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil and parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix with your hands until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1–2 inches in diameter. This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
- Broil the Meatballs:
- Preheat the broiler and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Place the meatballs on the sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Broiling Optional: For a faster option, skip the broiling step and add raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker, but browning adds extra flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Alternative Sauces: Experiment with marinara, vodka sauce, or Alfredo for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
