Name: The Ultimate Crock Pot Meatballs Recipe You Need to Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 260 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning); 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste

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Making delicious meatballs does not need to be hard. This recipe uses a crock pot to do most of the work for you. The slow cooker gently cooks the meatballs until they are soft and full of flavor. It fills your home with the warm smell of a home-cooked meal.

This method lets the meatballs soak up all the goodness from the sauce, making them juicy and perfect every time. You simply mix the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and let the crock pot handle the rest. It is a straightforward way to get a comforting meal on the table, whether for a family dinner or a special gathering. This recipe gives you a main dish that works well with many sides. You get tender meatballs in a rich sauce with very little effort.

Reasons to Try Crock Pot Meatballs

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and amazing flavor. The meatballs cook slowly in the sauce, which makes them incredibly tender. They almost melt in your mouth. The sauce itself becomes rich and deep in flavor as it simmers for hours. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal. You can put everything in the crock pot in the morning and have a wonderful dinner ready by evening. This recipe is also very versatile. You can serve the meatballs over spaghetti, in a sandwich, or by themselves as an appetizer. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels special without requiring complex cooking skills.

Ingredients Notes

The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in this dish.

Ground Beef: I recommend using 85/15 ground beef. This ratio has enough fat to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful but not so much that they become greasy. Freshly ground beef from a local butcher can also add a superior taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs. They help bind the meatballs without making them dense or heavy. They create a much more tender final product.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded kind often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the meatball mixture. A block of good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano will add a nutty, savory flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes. Some brands are naturally sweeter and less acidic, which provides a great base for your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice if you can find them.
Beef Broth: A low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. It adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that water just can’t provide.

How to Make Crock Pot Meatballs

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. A cookie scoop can help you make them all the same size so they cook evenly. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
Step 3: This step is optional but highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through. This searing creates a nice crust.
Step 4: While the meatballs are browning, prepare the sauce. In the bottom of your crock pot, stir together the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and any additional seasonings you like.
Step 5: Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce in the crock pot. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to cover them.
Step 6: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender.

What You Must Know For This Recipe

Before you begin, there are a few important things to know. First, do not overmix the meat mixture. When you combine the ground beef with the other ingredients, mix only until everything is incorporated. Overworking the meat develops the proteins too much, resulting in meatballs that are tough and rubbery instead of tender.

Second, try to make all your meatballs a uniform size. If some are much larger than others, they will not cook at the same rate. Using a simple tool like a cookie scoop ensures they are all consistent. Finally, avoid the temptation to constantly lift the lid of the crock pot while it’s cooking. Each time you open it, heat escapes and increases the total cooking time. Trust the process and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Helpful Tips

To make preparation even easier, use a medium-sized cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture. This ensures every meatball is the same size and cooks evenly. If you have extra time, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook them. This can be a great time-saver on a busy day.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is very forgiving and easy to adapt.

Meat: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. Keep in mind that poultry is leaner, so the meatballs may not be as moist.
Sauce: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. If you are short on time, a large jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce can be used instead of making the sauce from scratch.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative. Crushed rice cereal or almond flour both work well.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. The most classic way to serve them is over a bed of spaghetti, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. They also make a fantastic meatball sub. Toast a hoagie roll, pile on the meatballs and sauce, and top with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. For a lower-carb option, serve them over zucchini noodles or with a side of steamed vegetables. They are also a perfect party appetizer; just place them in a bowl with a container of toothpicks for easy serving.

Storage

You can store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sodium	650mg

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