Are you tired of slaving over a hot stove, dreaming of a delicious, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Did you know that one of the most universally loved comfort foods can be made effortlessly in your easy crockpot meatball recipe? Forget the tedious stovetop simmering, because we’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of crockpot recipes!
This is easy crockpot recipes at work. This Isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary game-changer designed to bring mouthwatering meatballs to your table with minimal effort. We’re talking about fall-off-the-fork tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply want a reliable weeknight meal, this easy crockpot meatball recipe is your secret weapon. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of savory meatballs wafting through the air – a truly comforting and rewarding experience.
But what makes this recipe truly special? Is it the simplicity? Absolutely. Is it the incredible taste? Without a doubt. But beyond that, it’s the versatility. You can serve these meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, on toasted hoagie rolls, or even as appetizers at your next party. The possibilities are endless!
In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the perfect easy crockpot meatball recipe. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the slow-cooking process, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness – one effortless meatball at a time.
And for those seeking a change of pace, consider these healthy crockpot recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just dump the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do all the work. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
- Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs with a rich, savory sauce.
- Versatile Meal: Serve them over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even as a sandwich filling – the possibilities are endless!
- Kid-Friendly: Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when they’re simmered in a flavorful sauce.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare everything in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.
- Freezer-Friendly: Double the batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on a future busy day.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon of minced fresh parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Substitutions:
- Meatballs: Feel free to use your own homemade meatball recipe instead of frozen. Just be sure to brown them slightly before adding them to the crockpot recipes slow cooker.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes, but blend them slightly for a smoother sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be used in place of dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Take the time to thoroughly mix these ingredients; it’s the foundation of your flavorful masterpiece!
- Sauté the Onion(Optional Step for Enhanced Flavor): Add olive oil to a pan and sauté the onions until translucent.. This step adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Add Meatballs to Crockpot: Pour the meatball sauce into the crockpot, then gently add the frozen meatballs. Make sure the meatballs are evenly distributed in the sauce allowing each meat ball to bathe in flavor.
- Stir Gently: Stir the meatballs gently to make sure they are fully coated in the sauce. Be careful not to break the meatballs apart.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so check the meatballs for doneness after the minimum cooking time. The meatballs are ready when they are heated through and tender.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can stir in the Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Browning the Meatballs: For an even richer flavor, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step is optional, but it adds a nice sear and enhances the overall taste.
- Adjusting the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or beef broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegan Variation: Use plant-based meatballs and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free meatballs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
- Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Rice: Serve the meatballs over white rice or brown rice.
- Sandwiches: Use the meatballs as a filling for meatball subs or sliders.
- Appetizers: Thread the meatballs onto skewers for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Consider these chicken crockpot recipes for another easy meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ about Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
- Can I use homemade meatballs? Yes, you can absolutely use your favorite homemade meatball recipe. Just be sure to brown them slightly before adding them to the crockpot to prevent them from falling apart.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot. Add them along with the sauce. The addition of vegetables can create a healthy crockpot recipes.
- Can I make this recipe in a smaller crockpot? Yes, you can make this recipe in a smaller crockpot, but you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
- Can I use different types of meatballs? Yes, you can use different types of meatballs, such as turkey meatballs or chicken meatballs.
- How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot? To prevent the meatballs from sticking, you can spray the bottom of the crockpot with cooking spray before adding the sauce and meatballs. Ensure the meatballs are fully submerged in the sauce during cooking, stirring, if needed.
Perhaps you can find something similar with these crockpot soup recipes.
Final Thoughts on Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
There you have it – a foolproof easy crockpot meatball recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a delicious and effortless meal! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you choose to serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, you’re guaranteed a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
This easy crockpot chicken recipes pairs well with pasta.
Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to make this recipe your own. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or try using different types of meatballs for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it to your Pinterest board for future reference. And if you try it out, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from our readers.
And don’t forget that these tenderloin recipes in crockpot are just as easy!
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Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey. We hope you enjoy this easy crockpot recipes slow cooker! Happy cooking!
Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- skillet, optional for browning meatballs
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
Meatballs & Extras
- 1 pound frozen meatballs beef, pork, turkey, or combination
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, add last 30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing onions
- 1/2 cup chopped onion sautéed optionally to enhance flavor
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully blended.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until translucent for added depth of flavor.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions if using, then gently place the frozen meatballs evenly in the sauce.
- Stir gently to coat meatballs with sauce without breaking them apart.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness after minimum cook time; meatballs should be heated through and tender.
- Optional: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
- Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or as a sandwich filling. Garnish with minced fresh parsley.
