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Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce

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By: MadelinePosted: 09/01/2022Updated: 08/22/2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce recipe is SO easy! Quickly prep the slow cooker meatballs in the morning and they are ready by dinner.

Side view of slow cooker meatballs recipe served with fresh parmesan cheese

Tackle busy Weeknight with this ‘set it and forget it’ Recipe

There are few things I love more than an excellent homemade meatball. These meatballs in crockpot hit the mark in so many ways!

The meatballs themselves are tender and juicy and their flavor is amplified by the addition of ground Italian pork sausage. Keep things simple by using your favorite jarred marinara sauce.

Serve these slow cooker meatballs for an easy weeknight dinner or during the big game on a Sunday. I promise this will be a family loved recipe in no time.

Above view of crockpot meatballs and sauce

Kitchen tools

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons

How to serve

This recipe for meatballs in crockpot is delicious as is, but I’ve got a few excellent serving suggestions. My favorite way to serve these is traditionally, over pasta. I sometimes serve them with a side of garlic bread or No Knead Tomato Focaccia.

For extra veggies, you could serve these with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables of your choice. Serve on leftover mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food

Grab some fresh rolls and sharp provolone from your local bakery. Then, turn these crockpot meatballs and sauce into fuss-free meatball subs!

Balance out the meal by serving some Cherry Crisp or Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies for dessert.

Above view of ingredients for slow cooker meatballs

Ingredients

  • Marinara sauce of your choice
  • Beef broth
  • Lean ground beef
  • Italian pork sausage
  • Salt
  • Italian seasoning
  • Bread crumbs
  • Eggs
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

this recipe is easy and versatile

I love the ease of preparing this recipe. Simply mix the meatballs in the morning, and dump everything in the crockpot. By dinner time you’ve got a meal ready to go.

This recipe is also freezer friendly! Once cooled, simply freeze the meatballs and sauce together in a large freezer bag or food storage container- no separation required.

This crockpot meatball recipe is a great freezer recipe to share with friends. Make ahead and freeze for things like busy winter nights or a maternity leave.

Above view of step by step assembly or meatballs in crockpot

How to make Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the meatballs

To begin, add the jarred marinara and beef broth to the crockpot, stir to combine, and set to low.

Combine the ground beef, italian pork sausage, seasonings, bread crumbs, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce, taking care not to overmix. Form the meatballs into 3tbsp size balls.

Step 2: Add to the crockpot and cook on low

Next, add the meatballs to the crockpot with the sauce and broth. It’s ok if the meatballs aren’t completely covered by the sauce.

Cook the meatballs on low for 6 hours.

Step 3: Reduce the sauce then serve

After 6 hours, remove the lid from the crockpot. Let the meatballs continue to cook with the lid off for an addition 1-2 hours. This is a crucial, flavor enhancing step to reduce some of the liquid in your sauce.

It also enhances the concentration of flavors in the sauce. After reducing, you’re ready to serve the meatballs. Enjoy!

Above view of meatballs made in crockpot

Storage and freeze

Once prepared, store these meatballs in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

You can freeze the meatballs together in the sauce in one container for even more simplicity. I like to keep them frozen for up to 3 months and then reheat back in the crockpot!

Check out these other delicious meatball recipes

  • Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
  • Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs
  • Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
  • Cast Iron Meatballs

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Image for pinning crockpot meatballs and sauce recipe on pinterest
Slow cooker meatballs served with fresh parmesan cheese
Recipe

Crockpot Meatballs and Sauce

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

Make delicious and tender pork and beef meatballs in a slow cooker without any fuss!

Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 7 hoursTotal: 7 hours 15 minutes
Print Pin it Rate recipe Save recipe
Servings: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 25oz jar of marinara sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb hot or mild Italian pork sausage (casing cut off if they are links)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Pour marinara sauce and beef broth into a crockpot. Stir together and set to low heat.
  2. Mix beef, pork sausage, salt, italian seasoning, bread crumbs, egg and worcestershire sauce together in a large mixing bowl – mix until just combined. If you over mix, the meatballs become tough.
  3. With wet hands roll the mixture into 3 tbsp sized balls placing them into the crockpot as you go. It’s okay if they aren’t all fully covered by the sauce.
  4. Place the cover on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. After 6 hours, remove the lid and toss the meatballs in the sauce. Leave the lid off for 1-2 hours to reduce the liquid in the sauce
  5. Serve warm however you like!
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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About Madeline

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Amy says

    Posted on 9/5 at 10:06 am

    Love some crockpot recipes! Nothing better than the smell of delicious food filling the house. These were tasty!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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