Slow Cooker Meatballs (Easy & Tender)
These slow cooker meatballs are incredibly soft, flavorful, and practically cook themselves. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in subs, or as an appetizer, this hands-off recipe is a reliable favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Set-it-and-forget-it convenience
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Juicy, tender meatballs every time
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Perfect for dinner or entertaining
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Freezer-friendly
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Works with homemade or store-bought sauce
Ingredients
Meatballs
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
(or beef/pork mix) -
½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup milk
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Sauce
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3 cups marinara sauce
(or tomato-based sauce of choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 1 minute.
Add ground meat, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them in the slow cooker. No need to brown unless desired.
Step 3: Add Sauce
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they’re mostly covered.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
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LOW: 6–7 hours
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HIGH: 3–4 hours
Meatballs are done when fully cooked and tender.
Optional Step: Browning (Extra Flavor)
For deeper flavor, brown meatballs in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker.
Serving Ideas
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Over spaghetti or pasta
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In hoagie rolls for meatball subs
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With mashed potatoes or rice
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As party appetizers with toothpicks
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs
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Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker
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Use a mix of meats for extra juiciness
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Avoid lifting the lid during cooking
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Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens
Variations
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Swedish Meatballs: Use cream-based gravy
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BBQ Meatballs: Use barbecue sauce
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Sweet & Sour: Add pineapple and bell peppers
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Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground turkey
Storage & Freezing
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
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Freeze cooked meatballs (with sauce) for up to 3 months
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Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker meatballs are a stress-free, delicious solution for busy days or feeding a crowd. Tender, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, they’ll quickly become a regular in your meal rotation.