Crockpot meatballs are a great and easy dish that everyone loves! Made with juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a tasty sauce, they are perfect for parties or a cozy dinner.
Honestly, there’s something magical about coming home to the smell of these meatballs! I love to serve them over pasta or with some bread for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While I love using just ground beef for its rich flavor, mixing it with ground pork adds tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can work too!
Breadcrumbs: I use Italian breadcrumbs for a little extra flavor from the seasonings. If you have plain on hand, that’s perfect too. For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better taste and texture than pre-grated. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor!
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the meatballs. Dried works in a pinch, but use less (2 tablespoons) as it’s more concentrated.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade is great if you have the time. The choice of sauce can also change the flavor; try a spicy arrabbiata for a kick!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender?
Mixing the meatball ingredients is crucial for tenderness. Overmixing can make them tough, so combine gently until just mixed.
- Form meatballs that are all about 1.5 inches; this helps them cook evenly and stay moist.
- Cooking them in a crockpot keeps them juicy. The low and slow method allows them to soak up flavors from the marinara.
Don’t skip cooking time! Letting them cook the full duration allows the flavors to develop and the meatballs to become tender.
Delicious Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For The Sauce:
- 24 ounces jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time. You’ll let the meatballs cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day, just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shaping the Meatballs:
With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go. This should yield around 16-20 meatballs, depending on how big you make them!
3. Preparing the Crockpot:
Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your crockpot. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking and keeps them moist as they cook. Now, place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer, trying to keep them spread out as much as possible.
4. Adding the Remaining Sauce:
Once all the meatballs are positioned neatly, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Make sure the meatballs are fully covered in sauce to keep them juicy!
5. Cooking the Meatballs:
Cover the crockpot with the lid. Now, you can choose to cook them on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they are done when they are tender and fully cooked through.
6. Serving Suggestions:
When the cooking time is up, serve your delicious meatballs over spaghetti for a classic dish, in a sub roll topped with cheese for delightful meatball sandwiches, or just on their own with extra sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be mindful that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so consider adding a bit more marinara sauce to keep the meatballs moist while cooking.
Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead. Use about 2 tablespoons of dried parsley for the same flavor, or omit it altogether if you don’t have any on hand. Your meatballs will still be delicious!
