Crockpot Meatballs – WellPlated.com (2024)

Set-it-and-forget-it, no browning required, Nonna-approved Crockpot Meatballs have me so excited for your dinner tonight! These juicy, zesty meatballs package traditional Italian flavor with the hands-off convenience of the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

• A Gift to Your Future Self. Cooking meatballs in the crockpot means you can avoid the pre-dinner scramble. When hunger strikes, you and your family simply stride into the kitchen, where a hearty, healthy, garlic-scented dinner awaits!
• Super Versatile. Serve ‘em with noodles, pile them into a sub, or settle them on top of Zucchini Pasta; however you enjoy them, crockpot meatballs are a feel-good dinner for all ages.
• A Classic, Re-Imagined. Italian food is a top genre in our household, with meatballs being the number one go-to. Whether it’s these slow cooker meatballs, Baked Chicken Meatballs, or Baked Turkey Meatballs, we can serve them multiple ways, they are stellar leftover, and let’s get to the point: meatballs taste amazing.
• Easy Fail-Proof Recipe. I tested and re-tested this recipe to make sure it won’t let you down—and that it doesn’t require any more work that needed. No need to sear, and no dry meatballs here!

How to Make Crockpot Meatballs

The beauty of this easy crockpot meatballs recipe is that you don’t need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker.

• Placing the meatballs in a single layer allows the outsides to brown, so you can skip searing or baking them first.
• Cooking the meatballs on high ensures they hold their shape and don’t dry out.

If you’d like to make a larger batch of meatballs, check out my Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs for a stellar recipe. You can swap beef if you like.

The Ingredients

• Ground Beef. To make this a healthy crockpot meatballs recipe, I used lean ground beef. You can also swap ground turkey or ground chicken, or do a blend.

• Jarred Pasta Sauce. This one-stop ingredient makes recipe prep quick and easy! For the best crockpot meatballs, choose a high-quality sauce. You’ll taste the difference.
• Panko. Panko breadcrumbs add texture and help bind all the ingredients together.
• Worcestershire. For a touch of umami. It makes these taste like you spent more time making them than you did. Win!
• Milk. Ensures perfectly moist meatballs. Any milk you have on hand will work.

• Fresh Parsley + Italian Seasoning. Whether fresh or dried, herbs are a delicious addition to homemade meatballs.
• Parmesan. Salty, cheesy goodness.
• Eggs. Help bind the meatballs together.
• Garlic. For that must-have garlicky flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes. An optional addition that gives your meatballs a hint of spice.

The Directions

1. Combine. Stir the meatball ingredients together.

2. Form. Shape the meatballs, then place in a lightly greased slow cooker.

3. Add the Sauce. Along with the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Slow Cook. Cook crockpot meatballs on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Top with Parmesan and parsley.

5. Serve. With pasta, as a sub…whatever you please. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate meatballs in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
• To Freeze. Freeze meatballs with the sauce in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve Crockpot Meatballs

• Spaghetti. A true crowd-pleaser with endless possibilities for customization! Use these meatballs to take Instant Pot Spaghetti up a notch.
• Spaghetti Squash. To keep things low-carb, serve this dish over Roasted Spaghetti Squash or Crockpot Spaghetti Squash.
• Sandwiches. With these meatballs, sauce, a toasted hoagie, and some melty cheese, you’ve got the perfect meatball sub!
• Pizza. Slice the meatballs and use them as a pizza topping. (Try my Whole Wheat Pizza Dough for the crust.)
• Appetizer. Simply serve the meatballs as is for an easy app.
• Eggplant Dishes. Elevate eggplant Parmesan by spooning these saucy meatballs over the top (bonus points if you use Grilled Eggplant). Or, add them to a bowl of Eggplant Pasta.
• Casserole. Use the meatballs in a recipe like this Meatball Casserole.

• Slow Cooker. Perfect for making any of my slow cooker recipes.
• Mixing Bowls. This set of nine mixing bowls has everything you need.
• Cheese Grater. Grating your own cheese is worth the extra step.