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Hungry Healthy Happy ยป Recipes ยป Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Meatballs

Updated: Oct 15, 2024 ยท Published: Nov 20, 2019 ยท Written by Dannii Martin ยท This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made ยท 21 Comments

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Diet: Low Fat
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Melt in your mouth tender meatballs in a deliciously rich tomato sauce. These Slow Cooker Meatballs are an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Cooked low and slow, serve them with spaghetti or on mashed potato and make sure you have leftovers to make meatball subs.

A plate of Slow Cooker Meatballs next to a small bowl of salad.

I have been making meatballs in the slow cooker since my eldest was born and they are total comfort food. Tender, juicy, bursting with flavour and easily adaptable. We stuck with classic Italian flavours, but there is no reason why you can't mix things up a bit and add some Mexican seasoning or even Moroccan and serve them with couscous.

This is a rich and hearty meal, but still perfect for summer when you want a filling pasta dish, but you don't want to have the oven on our be standing over the hob.

These slow cooker meatballs freeze and defrost really well, so they are perfect for batch cooking and keeping in the freezer for those busy nights.

If you are looking for more meatball recipes, then why not try our easy Air Fryer Meatballs, impressive Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs), tasty Sweet and Sour Meatballs, comforting Meatball Pasta Bake or our delicious Sticky Chicken Meatballs?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Slow Cooker Meatballs Variations
  • How To Make Slow Cooker Meatballs -Step by Step
  • Top Tip
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed to make this recipe each with a text overlay label.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Beef mince - We used a lean beef mince (ground beef) to keep it lighter. If you wanted to use one with a higher fat percentage, then it would add more flavour but it would change the nutritional information that we have provided. We prefer homemade meatballs, but you could use ready made if you prefer. Turkey meatballs work too.
  • Onion - This is mixed in to the meatballs for flavour and texture. Make sure to really finely dice them so the meatballs are easy to form. You could swap the onion for shallots, which would give a sweeter flavour.
  • Garlic - This is a must in meatballs in our opinion. Freshly crushed is always best, and try to finely crush it, almost in to a paste, because it will ensure even distribution of the garlic in the meatballs. You could use frozen garlic or crushed garlic in a tube if you prefer, but it doesn't have the same flavour.
  • Breadcrumbs - The breadcrumbs stop the meatballs from becoming dry, by absorbing the juices from the meat and keeping them in the meatball. You can use white, wholewheat or even panko breadcrumbs, which give a crispier edge.
  • Oregano and thyme - This adds lots of delicious Italian flavour to the meatballs. You can use fresh or dried.
  • Egg - As well as the breadcrumbs, the egg helps to bind the meatballs. We used a medium sized egg.
  • Carrot - This adds a little extra texture to the sauce, as well as some extra nutrients. You could grate it in if you wanted it to be more hidden.
  • Passata - This is what makes up the pasta sauce. You could use a can of chopped tomatoes instead if you wanted, or even a good quality store bought pasta sauce to save some time. Try to use the best quality passata or tinned tomatoes that you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference, and there will be a difference in thickness too.
  • Tomato puree - This gives a tomato flavour boost to the sauce and also helps to thicken it too. You could use a sun-dried tomato paste for a more intense flavour.
  • Balsamic vinegar - An easy way to add some flavour to the sauce.

Slow Cooker Meatballs Variations

We mixed together a simple marinara for these slow cooked meatballs, but there are so many different ways you can jazz it up a little. Chop up some olives and add them to the sauce, or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a paste version will add a lot of extra tomato flavour and thicken it a little too.

If you wanted to hide some vegetables in to it, then why not grate some carrot and courgette in to the sauce and then stir in some finely chopped spinach 30 minutes before it is finished. You could add chunks of vegetables, and then remove the meatballs when cooked and blend the sauce and then mix everything together again.

We added a splash of balsamic vinegar for some extra sweetness, but you could add a pinch of sugar instead. We have also made it with some Worcestershire sauce too, which added a lot of extra flavour.

If you don't want to go down the marinara route, then you could cook these meatballs in our Homemade Healthy BBQ Sauce or even a sweet and sour sauce and serve with rice.

How To Make Slow Cooker Meatballs -Step by Step

Meatball mixture in a bowl.
  1. Step 1: Put the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, oregano, egg and salt and pepper in to a large bowl and mix well. If the mixture sees a bit wet, then add some more breadcrumbs.
Twelve meatballs on a white plate.
  1. Step 2: Form into 12 meatballs and set aside.
12 meatballs cooking in a black frying pan.
  1. Step 3: Heat some oil in a large pan and add the meatballs. Cook on low for 2 minutes each side. Take the meatballs out and then add the onion and carrot and gently cook for 2 minutes.
A slow cooker pot with cooked meatballs.
  1. Step 4: Add the onion, carrot and meatballs to the slow cooker (crock pot) bowl.
Meatballs in a crock pot covered in tomatoes and herbs.
  1. Step 5: Add the rest of the ingredients for the sauce on top of the meatballs and gently stir so everything is coated. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours and serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

Top Tip

Wet your hands when rolling meatballs, as this will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands. You can also portion them out with an ice cream scoop.

Serving Suggestions

Meatballs and spaghetti is such a classic combo, but you can top any kind of pasta with these meatballs - no need to buy anything special. If you are going down the low carb route, then sautéed courgette (zucchini) noodles go well with these. We also like these on top of mashed potato for a hearty meal.

Don't forget to serve a few slices of our Cheesy Garlic Bread on the side too. Perfect for dipping in to all that delicious soup.

We always make sure we have some leftover slow cooker meatballs to make meatball subs the next day. Slice up the meatballs, add to a sub roll with a spoonful of sauce and then some slices of cheese and put it under the grill. Sandwich perfection. Check out our Meatball Sub Recipe.

Slow cooked meatballs on pasta with a sprinkling of chopped basil on top

Extra Tips

  • Stick with classic Italian seasoning, or go with Mexican or Moroccan for something a bit different.
  • Serve these crockpot meatballs with pasta or mashed potatoes. Don't forget to save some leftovers to turn in to meatball subs the next day.
  • Want to try a different sauce? Cook these meatballs in a homemade BBQ sauce or a sweet and sour sauce and serve with rice.
  • Save some extra time with this recipe and either make the meatballs in advance, or use store bought meatballs.
  • Don't over mix your meatballs. Mix it until it is just combined, otherwise they will become quite dense. You want light and fluffy meatballs.
  • Make sure that the meatballs are even sizes, so they will all cook at the same rate.
Meatballs in a sauce on top of pasta shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can meatballs be made in advance?

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and they will keep in the fridge for a day or two until you are ready to put them in your slow cooker - this makes it easier for a fuss free week night meal.

How to store slow cooker meatballs.

If you have any leftovers, then they can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for 2 days.

Can you freeze slow cooker meatballs?

These do freeze really well too - just wait until they are cooled down and freeze in portions. They will keep in the freezer for about 3-4 months.

Do I have to brown the meatballs first?

You don't have to, but we really recommend it as it adds such a depth of flavour. Basically, you want to trigger the Maillard reaction. It is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavour. You don't have to though, and you can just throw everything in to the slow cooker and leave it if you are really short on time.

More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes

  • A bowl of beef bourguignon with some cooked greens.
    Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
  • Slow cooker beef goulash topped with coriander leaves.
    Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
  • A bowl of slow cooker beef stroganoff with mashed potato
    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
  • Slow cooker beef ragu in a bowl with a fork.
    Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

If you’ve tried these Crockpot Meatballs, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Slow Cooker Meatballs on a plate with a fork.

Slow Cooker Meatballs

By: Dannii Martin
Melt in your mouth meatballs in a deliciously rich tomato sauce. These Slow Cooker Meatballs are an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
4.97 from 28 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 3 hours hrs
Total: 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 292kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat
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Sulphites

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 500 g (17.5 oz) Lean beef mince
  • 1 Onion - small; peeled and finely diced
  • 2 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 25 g (0.25 cups) Breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
  • 1 Egg - medium size; whisked
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Sauce:

  • 1 Carrot - peeled and diced
  • 1 Onion - peeled and diced
  • 500 ml (2 cups) Passata
  • 3 Garlic clove
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato puree
  • 2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Dried thyme

Instructions

  • Put 500 g Lean beef mince, 25 g Breadcrumbs, 1 Onion, 2 Garlic clove, 1 tablespoon Dried oregano, 1 Egg and 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper into a bowl. Mix well. If the mixture sees a bit wet, then add some more breadcrumbs.
  • Form into 12 meatballs and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and add the meatballs. Cook on low for 2 minutes each side. Take the meatballs out and then add 1 Onion and 1 Carrot and gently cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the cooked onion, carrot and meatballs to the slow cooker bowl.
  • Add 500 ml Passata, 3 Garlic clove, 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper, 2 tablespoon Tomato puree, 2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dried oregano and 1 tablespoon Dried thyme on top of the meatballs and gently stir so everything is coated.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours and serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Tips

  • Stick with classic Italian seasoning, or go with Mexican or Moroccan for something a bit different.
  • Serve these meatballs with pasta or mashed potatoes. Don't forget to save some leftovers to turn in to meatball subs the next day.
  • Want to try a different sauce? Cook these meatballs in a homemade BBQ sauce or a sweet and sour sauce and serve with rice.
  • Save some extra time with this recipe and either make the meatballs in advance, or use store bought meatballs.
  • Don't over mix your meatballs. Mix it until it is just combined, otherwise they will become quite dense. You want light and fluffy meatballs.
  • Make sure that the meatballs are even sizes, so they will all cook at the same rate.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 3meatballs | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3355IU | Vitamin C: 20.5mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 7.8mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Julia says

    November 21, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    5 stars
    These meatballs sound delicious! I don't use balsamic vinegar in my sauce but will do next time I make them.

    Reply
  2. Toni says

    November 21, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    It is so easy to make!! Everyone loved it for dinner at my house!

    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    November 21, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    I love making homemade meatballs but never thought to put them in the crockpot. I am definitely going to have to give this a try the next time I make pasta. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  4. Demeter says

    November 21, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    So easy using a slow cooker! Perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Reply
  5. Mel says

    November 21, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love a new slow cooker recipe! These meatballs look perfect as a mid-week dinner with a plate of pasta! Thanks for sharing lovely!

    Reply
  6. Helen @ family-friends-food.com says

    November 21, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    5 stars
    My family love meatballs! Thanks for all these great ideas on how to change up the flavours :-)

    Reply
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