Is there anything more comforting than a pot of simmering meatballs, filling your kitchen with warm, savory aromas? I think not! These slow cooker meatballs are a weeknight lifesaver—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re craving a cozy Crockpot meatball dinner or need a dish for your next potluck, this recipe is your new go-to. And it’s so easy even beginners can master it. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking!
Top Reasons To Make It
These slow cooker meatballs aren’t just delicious; they’re practical too! Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. So, so tender.
- Versatile for different sauces and serving styles. Crockpot Meatballs for Party ? Yes, please!
- Kid-friendly, and even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Ingredients
Below you’ll find the measurements for this recipe. These simple ingredients create magic in your slow cooker!
- Ground beef: For a juicy, flavorful base.
- Ground turkey: Adds a lighter touch.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Onion: Provides aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic!
- Milk: Keeps the meatballs tender.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness.
- Dried herbs: Italian seasoning or a blend of your favorites.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your favorite meatball sauce—I love a simple tomato sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cooker Tips For Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—it can make them tough.
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for uniform meatball sizes.
- For easier cleanup, line your slow cooker with a liner. Genius!
- If your sauce is too thin, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a richer flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne.
Variations & Substitutions
Get creative with your slow cooker meatballs!
- For healthier Crock Pot Meatballs, use lean ground beef and turkey.
- Swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try different sauces like barbecue, sweet and sour, or creamy mushroom for Garlic Meatballs Crockpot.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These slow cooker meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- Over pasta or zucchini noodles.
- On hoagie rolls for meatball subs.
- As an appetizer with toothpicks.
- In a warm bowl of polenta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Always ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and even roll them up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- What are some good recipes for meatballs in crockpot for a larger crowd? Simple! Just double or even triple the recipe ingredients. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough, though! You might consider looking for recipes that call for meatballs and sauce in crockpot, so you don’t have to worry about the extra step.
These slow cooker meatballs are a classic comfort food made easy. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also convenient. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get those slow cooker meatballs simmering. But be warned, they just just might become a new family favorite.
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Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs: A Family Favorite
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes 24 meatballs
Description
These Slow Cooker Meatballs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor—perfect for a hearty dinner or party appetizer. Let your Crock-Pot do all the work while you enjoy the incredible aroma that fills the house!
Ingredients
▢ 1 pound ground beef
▢ 1 pound ground turkey
▢ ¾ cup breadcrumbs
▢ 1 large egg
▢ ½ cup finely chopped onion
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ ¼ cup milk
▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 3 cups tomato-based meatball sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Place the meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together your favorite tomato-based meatball sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly submerged.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is thickened.
7. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or as sliders. Enjoy!
Notes
• You can use all beef or all turkey if preferred.
• Great for meal prep—freeze extras for quick future meals.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, crockpot meatballs, easy meatball recipe, party appetizer, meatballs with sauce