Some days are so busy that dinner has to do the work for you — that’s where these slow cooker meatballs come in. Juicy beef meatballs simmer low and slow in rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Let’s make them…
You can make this slow cooked meatball recipe from scratch or use premade or frozen meatballs for a quick, cozy dinner waiting when you get home.
See the video…
WHY YOU’LL LOVE MY MEATBALLS IN THE SLOW COOKER RECIPE
This recipe is perfect for busy days — I’ll throw everything in before heading out to watch a football game or a family event, and it’s ready when we get home.
It smells amazing, and the easy-to-make tomato sauce gets even better as it simmers.
Don’t skip the cooking the onions and garlic first, and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan at the end — that’s the secret to making it taste like you spent all day in the kitchen.
See how to make my creamy bucatini pasta sauce.
INGREDIENTS TO SLOW COOK MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE
Homemade Meatballs (or use frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or 1 slice of toasted bread blended into crumbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Love easy Italian food? See how to make homemade pizza.
POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS
- Frozen or premade meatballs: A quick shortcut for busy nights.
- Add veggies: While sautéing onions, toss in diced pepper or mushrooms. Or a few minutes before serving, toss in spinach to wilt.
- Swap the meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-pork blend.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra cheese: Stir in Parmesan or Asiago, or top with freshly grated mozzarella.
Try the viral chopped Italian sandwich.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE
Here’s the step-by-step recipe…
Homemade Meatballs
Use frozen meatballs, or try my easy homemade meatball recipe…
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix so the meatballs stay tender.
- Roll into evenly sized balls (about 2-3 inches) and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. Use immediately in the slow cooker sauce, or cool and freeze for later.
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Step 5 – Serve with Parmesan cheese on it’s own, with pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that sauce.
De-licious!
Another winner: slow cooker BBQ shredded beef your whole family will love.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST SLOW COOKED MEATBALLS
- Brown first: Bake or sear meatballs before adding to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined so the meatballs stay tender.
- Layer smart: Add sauce first, then meatballs, to keep them from sticking or drying out.
MAKE IT A MEAL – WHAT TO SERVE WITH MEATBALLS
- Veggies: Grilled Italian Zucchini Kabobs
- Side: BBQ Chicken Potato Skins
- Main: Homemade Pasta
- Dessert: Blueberry Chocolate Banana Bread
Try these viral buffalo chicken Doritos nachos.
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
I’d love to know how your version turned out! Drop a rating and leave a comment below to help the Sip Bite Go community. And if you snapped any photos, tag me on Instagram—I love sharing reader pics in my Stories!
Feel inspired to cook with my free Foodie Friday newsletter.
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Video
Ingredients
Homemade Meatballs (or use frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs or 1 slice of toasted bread blended into crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp garlic minced
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated fresh, plus more for serving
Instructions
Homemade Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix so the meatballs stay tender.
- Roll into evenly sized balls (about 2-3 inches) and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. Use immediately in the slow cooker sauce, or cool and freeze for later.
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil and butter until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, stirring for another 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce and stir well to combine.
- Add in the baked meatballs (or premade/frozen ones). Stir gently to coat them in sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the sauce is rich and the meatballs are tender.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese on it’s own, with pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that sauce.
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