Tender Italian Slow Cooker Meatballs: A Comforting Family Dinner Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs for Cozy Family Dinners

Sink your fork into these tender slow cooker meatballs bathed in a savory Italian-style sauce. This crockpot meatballs recipe is quick and easy to prep. Let your slow cooker do all the work for a comforting hot meal at the end of the day!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Meatballs

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup water or beef broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just blended—overworking can make meatballs tough.
2. Shape the meatballs: Roll mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, about 16 in total. Place on a plate or baking sheet as you work.
3. Layer in the crockpot: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, then top with remaining sauce and water or broth.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours) until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
5. Finish and serve: Carefully stir meatballs to coat them evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot over spaghetti, creamy polenta, or crusty bread.

Chef Tips & Tricks

• Make ahead: Form meatballs and freeze on a tray before cooking; when solid, transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
• Extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for depth and warmth.
• Make it lighter: Swap half the beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition per Serving

• Calories: 925 kcal
• Carbs: 73 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Fat: 53 g (Saturated Fat: 20 g)
• Cholesterol: 149 mg
• Sodium: 2012 mg
• Fiber: 11 g

Enjoy these slow cooker meatballs any night you crave a hearty, Italian-inspired family dinner.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes