Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs

batch and enjoy them throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the sauce:

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (optional, depending on how thick you want the sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Once the mixture is ready, shape it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with a little cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Add Meatballs to the Slow Cooker

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. They can be snug but try not to overcrowd them. This will ensure they cook evenly.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well-covered. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a 1/4 cup of water to the jar of sauce, shake it up, and pour it over the meatballs as well.

5. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender by the end of the cooking time. The sauce will have thickened and taken on all the delicious flavors from the meatballs.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Serve them with pasta, as a meatball sub, or even on their own with a sprinkle of fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Pasta: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a plate of spaghetti, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta for a classic, comforting meal.
2. Meatball Subs: Pile the meatballs and sauce onto toasted sub rolls, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for a few minutes until the cheese is melted for a delicious meatball sandwich.
3. As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
4. With Rice: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: When forming the meatballs, mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs, which we want to avoid.
• Use Lean Meat: While ground beef works great, you can also use leaner ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using different sauces like a BBQ sauce for a smoky twist or a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich alternative.
• Make It a Meal Prep Hero: These meatballs store well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the microwave or in a pot on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Slow cooker meatballs are one of the best ways to enjoy a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. They’re the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks, and they can be served in countless ways. The slow cooking method ensures the meatballs stay moist and tender, and the marinara sauce infuses them with rich flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding your family, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs will undoubtedly hit the spot.

So, gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the magic, and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth meatballs that are sure to satisfy every time!