Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Savor the simplicity of these slow cooker meatballs in rich tomato sauce. It’s a great recipe for those busy weeknights and the flavors will appeal to all the family.

You might also like Salisbury steak meatballs, creamy meatball stew, skillet sweet and sour meatballs, and slow cooker Swedish meatballs.

Why You’ll Love It

So simple to prepare: Just add your ingredients to a slow cooker and switch it on. That’s pretty much all you have to do!
Classic Italian flavors: Tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese really deliver those distinctive Italian flavors you already know and love.
A versatile recipe: You can enjoy slow cooker meatballs as an appetizer, snack or main dish. You could even make a meatball sub with these.

Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs or make your own. I used Italian style meatballs but plain ones would work too.
Italian seasoning: Typical ingredients in Italian seasoning include basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Onion powder: Adds onion flavor to the dish.
Garlic: I used both fresh garlic and garlic powder for a bolder taste.
Tomato sauce: I recommend the kind with no salt added, since the meatballs are already seasoned.
Parmesan cheese: Optional, to garnish the dish.
Fresh herbs: Another optional ingredient for a garnish.

How to Make Crockpot Italian Meatballs

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Combine the ingredients: Add the meatballs, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to your slow cooker and stir to mix.
Cook the meatballs: Cover and cook on low until the meatballs are heated through.
Stir and serve: Stir the meatball mixture once more and serve, garnished with shredded or grated parmesan cheese and/or fresh herbs as a garnish if liked

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free meatballs.
Vegan version: Use meat-free meatballs (these shiitake mushroom balls are really good!) Omit the parmesan cheese garnish or substitute your preferred vegan cheese alternative.
Meatballs: Any frozen meatballs will work, so you could use Angus beef, turkey, Italian, or even fresh or frozen homemade ground beef meatballs.
Tomato sauce: Use tomato sauce, canned crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, or a tomato-based pasta sauce.
Shredded cheese: Use any kind of cheese you like.

Serving Suggestions

As an appetizer: Pair your meatballs with a slice of ciabatta or mushroom focaccia.
As a main dish: Enjoy the meatballs over spaghetti or your preferred pasta. You could also make an iceberg wedge salad or Caesar salad to serve on the side.
In a sandwich: Make a tasty meatball sub, using sliced meatballs and toasted crusty bread, perhaps adding salad greens or salsa verde also.

How to Store Crockpot Meatballs with Marinara

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze these in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm them back up in a pan on the stove.