There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug on a plate, and this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe delivers just that. Tender, flavorful beef meatballs slowly simmer in rich marinara sauce, soaking up all those luscious Italian flavors and creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a meal to impress friends, this recipe combines simplicity with incredible taste, making it one of those treasured go-to dishes you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy beef providing hearty substance to the Parmesan adding that signature sharpness and depth of flavor, all wrapped in vibrant, zesty marinara sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion: Grated to add moisture and subtle sweetness to the meatballs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the meatball components together perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a punch of aromatic, savory goodness.
- â…“ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Helps lighten the meatballs while giving them structure.
- â…“ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the beef.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 ½ pounds 90% lean ground beef: The meaty base for tender, juicy meatballs.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: The rich and tangy sauce that braises the meatballs to perfection.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top, adding a final burst of flavor.
- Chopped basil: Fresh herb garnish that brightens and balances the dish.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe
Step 1: Grate the Onion
Start by peeling your small yellow onion and using the largest holes on a box grater to grate it directly into a large mixing bowl. This gentle technique ensures the onion will blend seamlessly with the meat without large chunks, contributing moisture and a hint of sweetness that will keep your meatballs juicy.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
Add the egg to your grated onion and whisk them together until fully combined. Next, toss in the minced garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to distribute the flavors and textures evenly, setting a solid foundation for delicious meatballs.
Step 3: Add Ground Beef and Form Meatballs
Carefully incorporate the ground beef into your seasoned mixture. The key here is to blend everything together gently, avoiding overworking the meat so your meatballs stay tender once cooked. When combined, shape the mixture into 24 equal-sized meatballs—each about 1 ½ ounces—to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Pour half of your marinara sauce—about 1 ½ cups—into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This layer provides a flavorful base and prevents the meatballs from sticking. Next, arrange the meatballs in a single layer atop the sauce, making sure they don’t overlap—this helps them cook uniformly and maintain their shape.
Step 5: Add Remaining Sauce
Gently spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs. Take care not to stir or mix, as you want those tender meatballs to stay intact while they slowly soak up all the saucy goodness.
Step 6: Cook the Meatballs
Cover the slow cooker and set it on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the meatballs will cook through and absorb all the robust flavors from the marinara, resulting in a tender and satisfying dish that feels like it took hours of work—when really it didn’t.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, garnish your meatballs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil. These finishing touches brighten each bite and add visual appeal to your beautiful, hearty meal.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant chopped basil are classic pairings that complement the meatballs beautifully. Don’t be shy with these toppings—they add richness and a fresh herbal aroma that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian dinner. For a low-carb option, try them with sautéed zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables. Crusty garlic bread also pairs amazingly well, perfect for scooping up that luscious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not switch things up? Use these meatballs as flavorful sliders by serving them on mini buns with melted mozzarella. Or create a meatball sub sandwich loaded with provolone and peppers. For a cozy appetizer, skewer a few meatballs and serve with marinara dipping sauce on the side—perfect for any gathering or party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, so reheating leftovers can be just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce can help maintain that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef works wonderfully here, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats for a different flavor. Just keep in mind the cooking time remains the same.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
Not at all! This recipe skips the browning step and still yields tender, delicious meatballs thanks to the slow cooker’s gentle, even heat.
What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
You can easily make your own by seasoning plain breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder. This keeps the flavor authentic without extra trips to the store.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit all the meatballs in a single layer, or cook in batches for best results.
How spicy is the marinara sauce in this recipe?
The marinara used here is mild and versatile, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce if you’d like a bit of a kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. It offers that perfect blend of comfort and flavor, wrapping tender meatballs in rich tomato sauce with minimal fuss. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re craving a home-cooked Italian classic that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs in Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 servings (24 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy tender, flavorful beef meatballs slowly cooked in a rich marinara sauce using your slow cooker. This easy recipe combines grated onion, garlic, parmesan, and Italian breadcrumbs to make perfectly moist meatballs that pair wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 small yellow onion (ends removed and peeled)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- â…“ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds 90% lean ground beef
Marinara Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Chopped basil (for serving)
Instructions
- Grate the onion: Use the largest holes of a box grater to grate the peeled yellow onion directly into a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients and seasonings: Add the egg to the grated onion and whisk until combined. Then add the minced garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add ground beef and form meatballs: Gently add the ground beef to the bowl and carefully mix until the breadcrumb-cheese mixture is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, each about 1 ½ ounces in size.
- Prepare slow cooker: Pour half (1 ½ cups) of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Slowly place the meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce, avoiding overlap.
- Add remaining sauce: Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce gently over the meatballs without stirring, to prevent breaking them apart.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Garnish the cooked meatballs with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as spaghetti or crusty bread.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the ground beef to keep meatballs tender.
- Adding grated onion helps keep meatballs moist without adding extra liquid.
- Cooking on low heat for a longer time improves tenderness but high setting works well if short on time.
- You can prepare meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate before cooking.
- Serve with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
