Easy Crockpot Meatballs

This Italian-Style dinner will be one that your family requests again and again and you’ll love how simple it is to make! Serve them over spaghetti or Spaghetti Squash for everyone’s favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs or add them to a toasted sub roll!

They’re perfect to make on busy weeknights, requiring only a little bit of prep and several hours of hands-off time. Delicious juicy meatballs have never been easier to make!

Mix up these Easy Crockpot Meatballs in the morning and stick ‘em in the slow cooker while you continue your day. The result is tender, Don’t forget to serve it with Homemade Garlic Bread!

These Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate slow-cooked dinner. Enjoy homemade Italian Meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, just add your favorite pasta or make subs!

This was a fantastic recipe. It was easy to make and the whole family enjoyed it, even the baby! I’m looking forward to my leftovers tomorrow for lunch!

– Jessica

Ingredients For Crockpot Meatballs

This Crockpot Meatball Recipe is extra tender and delicious. The base of the recipe is just ground beef, but you could also use just ground beef or you could do a third of each: beef, lamb, and pork.

Panko breadcrumbs and an egg act as the binding agents in this recipe. The meat is loaded with spices and herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano. This recipe has a ton of flavor packed in!

They are then slow-cooked in a delicious marinara sauce! The sauce comes together quickly with crushed tomatoes, paste, and sauce and a delicious blend of seasonings.

Mix up these Easy Crockpot Meatballs in the morning and stick ‘em in the slow cooker while you continue your day. The result is tender, mouthwatering Italian Meatballs drenched in your favorite pasta sauce.

How To Make Meatballs In The Crockpot

1. In a large bowl, mix together the meatball ingredients with your hands until fully combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 12 or 18 evenly sized balls and add the meatballs to the bottom of a crock pot. You can spray the bottom of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray just to be safe.
3. Add in the sauce ingredients and give them a gentle stir to coat. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the meatballs.

Step by step photo collage showing how to make meatballs in a crockpot

What To Serve With Meatballs

Make a big batch of these Slow Cooker Meatballs, and save them in the fridge and eat them all week.

Pasta: Over pasta is always a good idea and don’t forget to top your plates with lots of fresh shredded Parmesan cheese!

Subs: Or, you can make some tasty meatball subs with the addition of melted mozzarella layered between slices of baguette.

Pizza: The other way I love eating leftover meatballs is sliced up and on pizza. It might sound weird, but it’s sooo good! Use the marinara as your pizza sauce and dollop some ricotta on it too – YUM!

Storage Instructions For Meatballs

The meatballs can remain in the crockpot on the warm setting for up to 4 hours after cooking. After that, you can transfer them into an airtight container to store in the fridge to enjoy for up 3 to 4 days.

To Freeze: Cook the meatballs according to the recipe instructions then simply allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. You can even put them in the fridge overnight and freeze the next day.

Then transfer the meatballs and sauce to gallon freezer bags. I recommend dividing the full recipe between at least two bags or whatever works for you portion-wise. Squeeze out any excess air.

More Italian Inspired Recipes!

Spaghetti Bolognese – A quick tomato-based sauce loaded with ground beef and spices!
Blackberry Buttermilk Panna Cotta – An impressive dessert that’s deliciously light and creamy!
Spaghetti Pie – Traditional spaghetti gets an innovative twist!
Boozy Tiramisu – Made with mascarpone laced pudding instead of the traditional egg custard!
Baked Ziti – Dinner hits the table in just 35 minutes!

You could also use 1/2 pound each of ground beef and ground lamb or 1/3 pound each of ground beef, lamb, and pork.
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but I think they give the meatballs a gummier texture.
You can also use 1 tablespoon of garlic paste or minced garlic instead of garlic cloves.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the meatballs.
The nutritional information is an extimate for the listed ingredients without substitutions for 12 meatballs and 6 servings (2 meatballs each).
Shelf Life:
- In Crockpot: On "warm" setting for up to 4 hours after cooking.
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days in an air-tight container.
- Freezer: 3 months
How To Freeze: Cook the meatballs according to the recipe instructions then simply allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. You can even put them in the fridge overnight and freeze the next day.
Then transfer the meatballs and sauce to gallon freezer bags. I recommend dividing the full recipe between at least two bags or whatever works for you portion-wise. Squeeze out any excess air.