Slow Cooker Meatballs Marinara (Printable)

Tender meatballs simmered slowly in a rich, aromatic marinara sauce with herbs and spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
02 - 0.5 pound ground pork
03 - 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
04 - 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 0.25 cup whole milk
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1.5 teaspoons salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Marinara Sauce

13 - 48 fluid ounces marinara sauce
14 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
18 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing.
02 - Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
03 - For firmer meatballs, broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
05 - Add sautéed onion and garlic, marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
06 - Gently nestle the meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker.
07 - Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortless preparation with hands-off slow cooking—perfect for entertaining
  • Tender, flavorful meatballs with a perfect blend of beef and pork
  • Rich, aromatic marinara sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano
  • Versatile serving options as an appetizer or main dish
  • Feeds a crowd with 30 meatballs in one batch
  • Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly for meal prep
02 -
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture
  • Don't skip the milk—it keeps the meatballs tender and prevents dryness
  • Chill shaped meatballs for 15 minutes before broiling to help them hold their shape
  • Layer meatballs in a single layer when possible for even cooking
  • Taste the marinara and adjust seasonings before serving—salt brings out all the flavors
  • Let meatballs rest in the sauce for 10 minutes after cooking for maximum flavor absorption
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