These Easy Crockpot Meatballs are the kind of comforting, hands-off meal every busy home cook needs. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering homemade meatballs in a rich marinara sauce until they turn tender, juicy, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for pasta dinners, meatball subs, potlucks, family meals, or keeping warm for game-day gatherings.

Easy crockpot meatballs simmered in homemade marinara sauce

With a simple blend of beef, pork, Parmesan, garlic, and everyday pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers classic flavor with minimal effort. The result is a reliable, budget-friendly dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Meatballs

Tender and juicy every time
Effortless slow cooker method
Versatile: pasta, subs, rice bowls, appetizers
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Simple ingredients with deep, homemade flavor

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite!)
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder

The essential equipment and tools for this recipe are:

Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The main appliance used for cooking.
Large Bowl: Used for the initial step of mixing the Meatball Ingredients.¹
Spoon/Spatula: Used for mixing the sauce in the crockpot and for general stirring.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for accurate measurement of all ingredients (meat, cheese, seasonings, liquid).

If you choose the Optional Sear step, you will also need:

Skillet (or frying pan): Used to brown the meatballs.
Stove/Burner: Needed to heat the skillet.

How to Make Crockpot Meatballs (Step-by-Step)

Before You Begin

Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Use caution when handling raw meat, hot pans, and steam. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your slow cooker model and settings.

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients Safely
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense. Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw meat.

2. Shape the Meatballs
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll each portion into a round meatball.
Keep the sizes as consistent as possible to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.

3. Optional Browning Step (Adds Flavor)
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the meatballs on all sides until lightly browned.
This step is optional, but it adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Use caution when transferring hot meatballs.

4. Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker
Add marinara sauce, water, tomato paste, olive oil, dried basil, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
Stir until fully combined and spread evenly across the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Meatballs Safely
Place the shaped or browned meatballs into the sauce.
Ensure they are mostly covered. Do not stack too tightly; this helps them cook evenly and safely.

6. Cook Low & Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
The meatballs are done when they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the center.

7. Serve the Meatballs
Use a clean spoon to stir gently before serving.
Serve over pasta, rice, in rolls for subs, or as an appetizer.
Keep hot meatballs warm in the slow cooker on the “WARM” setting if serving a crowd.

Safety Notes

Always wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat and eggs.
Ensure meatballs reach 165°F / 74°C for safe consumption.
Do not leave cooked meatballs out at room temperature for long periods.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers.

Slow cooked homemade meatballs served with Italian-style marinara

How to Serve

Classic pasta dinner: Spoon meatballs and sauce over spaghetti or penne.
Meatball subs: Toast hoagie rolls and melt mozzarella or provolone on top.
Rice bowl: Serve with white, brown, or seasoned rice.
Appetizers: Keep warm in the crockpot and serve with toothpicks.
Comfort style: Serve over creamy polenta.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freeze

Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
Freeze raw meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Stovetop: Heat over low with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Oven: 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

Tips for Success

Mix gently so meatballs stay soft.
Use both beef + pork for the best texture.
Choose a marinara you enjoy—the sauce is the base flavor.
Optional browning adds a lot of depth.
Don’t lift the lid during cooking—heat loss affects cooking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing → dense meatballs
Adding too much liquid → thin sauce
Crowding the skillet if browning → no crust
Opening the lid often → longer cook time
Forgetting to taste the sauce → missing seasoning adjustment

FAQ

Can I use only beef or only pork?
Yes. All beef gives a firmer meatball, while all pork creates a softer one. The blend provides the best texture.

Do I need to brown them first?
No. The slow cooker will cook them fully. Browning simply adds extra flavor.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Finely grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach blend well into the mixture.

Can I use frozen raw meatballs?
They should be thawed first for safe, even cooking. Pre-cooked frozen meatballs can be added directly.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. Avoid overcrowding.

What’s the best pasta to pair with this?
Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and shells all hold the sauce well.

Conclusion

These Easy Crockpot Meatballs are the kind of recipe you return to again and again—simple ingredients, warm flavors, and a slow-cooked tenderness that always hits the spot. Whether served over pasta, tucked into a toasted sub roll, or set out for a crowd, they deliver steady comfort every time. With minimal prep and reliable results, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights, meal-prep routines, and cozy family dinners. A good marinara, a blend of beef and pork, and low-and-slow cooking are all it takes to create a satisfying meal people truly enjoy.

Juicy crockpot meatballs with Parmesan and herbs

Recipe Card

Easy Crockpot Meatballs (Tender, Juicy & Slow-Cooked)

Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Method: Slow Cooker
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 3–8 hours

Ingredients