There is honestly nothing better than walking through the door and smelling a warm meal that is already done. I still remember the first time I had everyone over for a big family dinner and I realized I didn’t want to spend the whole night stuck in the kitchen missing out on all the fun. These crockpot meatballs were my total secret weapon that night. They come out so juicy and tender and they take almost no effort at all. You just set them and forget about them so the flavors can get all happy together while you go do your thing.

Why You Will Love These Crockpot Meatballs

You are going to love how much time this recipe saves you without losing any of that homemade quality. Using a slow cooker is the best way to make sure the meat stays moist and soaks up all that rich sauce instead of getting dry. This dish is perfect for those crazy busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleaser for game day. It is a total hit with kids and adults too. Plus the cleanup is so easy because it all happens in just one pot.

Ingredients for Your Crockpot Meatballs

Here is what you need to grab from the store. We use beef instead of pork here to keep things hearty and delicious.

2 pounds of lean ground beef
1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce
1/2 cup beef broth because we add broth instead of wine to give the sauce a really deep flavor

How to Make Perfect Crockpot Meatballs

Prep the Meatballs

First you want to get a big bowl and mix your ground beef with the breadcrumbs and eggs and milk and cheese and all those spices. Use your hands to get in there and mix it all together but don’t overdo it. If you work the meat too much they can get a little tough and we want them nice and soft. Just roll the mixture into little balls about an inch and a half wide and set them on a tray while you get the pot ready.

Slow Cooking Process

Now just drop those meatballs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour your marinara sauce and that beef broth all over the top until they are covered up well. Put the lid on and let it go. You can cook them on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. You will know they are ready when they are cooked all the way through and that sauce looks thick and amazing.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Meatballs

If you have a couple extra minutes you can brown the meatballs in a pan for a minute or two on each side before they go in the crockpot. This helps them stay together better but you can totally skip it if you are in a rush. If you are really short on time you can even use frozen meatballs from the store. Just throw them in with the sauce and cook them for about 4 hours on the low setting until they are hot all the way through.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Meatballs

I love serving these over a huge pile of steaming spaghetti for a classic dinner. They are also incredible as little sliders on toasted buns with a slice of melted cheese on top. If you want something a bit lighter you can try them with roasted veggies or zucchini noodles. A simple green salad on the side is always a good idea to balance out the beef perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Meatballs

Can I make these ahead of time

You sure can. You can mix the meat and roll the balls a whole day early. Just keep them in a container in the fridge until you are ready to start the slow cooker in the morning.

How do I store leftovers

Put whatever is left in a container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. These also freeze really well so you can save them for later. Just let them thaw out in the fridge overnight before you heat them back up on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Meatballs

This recipe makes about 6 servings and here is the estimated breakdown for each one.

Calories 385 kcal
Protein 29g
Fat 21g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 2g
Sodium 840mg