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This image shows a plate of savory Italian meatballs cooked in a crockpot, topped with a rich marinara sauce. The dish is garnished and ready to be served as a comforting main course.

Italian Meatballs in Crockpot Recipe

These Italian Meatballs in the Crockpot are a savory, cheesy delight that cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker. With a rich marinara sauce made from pantry staples, this recipe delivers the comfort of homemade Italian meatballs without any fuss.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 15
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Marinara:

  • 30 ounces Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic 2 cans of 14.5 ounces each
  • 15 ounces Tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes optional
  • Meatballs uncooked (recipe below)
  • 2 dried Bay leaves

Meatballs:

  • 1 pound Lean ground beef 88% lean
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tbspdried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tspfresh cracked Black pepper
  • 1 large Egg lightly beaten

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinara:

  • Combine all ingredients (except meatballs and bay leaves) in a blender in the order listed. Blend until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    This image shows the ingredients, including fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning, being blended together to create a rich and flavorful marinara sauce for the Italian meatballs.
  • Pour a layer of the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot. Reserve the remaining sauce to pour over the meatballs.
    This image shows the freshly blended marinara sauce being poured into the bottom of a crockpot, creating the base layer for cooking the Italian meatballs.

Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until well combined, but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
    This image shows the ingredients for the meatballs, including ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and seasonings, being mixed together in a large bowl to create a well-combined meatball mixture.
  • Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion out the meat mixture onto a plate. Roll each portion into a ball.
    This image shows the ground beef mixture being portioned with a scoop and rolled into small, evenly-sized meatballs, ready to be added to the crockpot.

Assemble and Cook:

  • Gently place one layer of meatballs in the crockpot. Pour some of the sauce over the meatballs to cover them. Continue layering meatballs and sauce until all meatballs are in the crockpot. Ensure each layer is coated with sauce.
    This image shows the shaped meatballs being carefully layered in the crockpot, with each layer covered in marinara sauce, ensuring even cooking and flavor.
  • Add the bay leaves.
    This image shows bay leaves being added to the crockpot, nestled among the layers of meatballs and sauce, to infuse the dish with a subtle, aromatic flavor as it cooks.
  • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
    This image shows the tender Italian meatballs being served from the crockpot onto a plate, covered in the rich, homemade marinara sauce, ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
  • Layer the Meatballs Carefully: To ensure even cooking and flavor, make sure each layer of meatballs is covered with sauce before adding the next layer.