Crockpot meatballs work as dinner, party food or meal prep, and the sauce decides which. Start with our easy homemade all-beef meatballs (baked first so they hold together) or use a bag of fully cooked frozen meatballs, then pick a sauce.
Each sauce below is enough for 2 lb (900 g) of meatballs.
Quick Picks
- Best for parties: Honey BBQ Meatballs
- Best for dinner: Marinara Meatballs
- Best for rice bowls: Teriyaki Meatballs
The Meatballs and 5 Sauces
1. Homemade All-Beef Meatballs (the Base)
Mix 2 lb (900 g) ground beef, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs soaked in 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup parmesan, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes so they hold their shape. Or use 2 lb frozen fully cooked meatballs instead.
2. Honey BBQ Meatballs
Stir 18 oz BBQ sauce with 1/4 cup honey and 1 tsp garlic powder. Cook the meatballs in the sauce on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (frozen) or 2 to 3 hours (freshly baked).
3. Marinara Meatballs
Use a 24 oz jar of marinara plus 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Serve over spaghetti or in sub rolls with mozzarella.
4. Teriyaki Meatballs
Whisk 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, then thicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry. Serve over rice with green onions.
5. Bonus: Grape Jelly Meatballs
The classic 2-ingredient party sauce: chili sauce and grape jelly.
Get the full bonus: grape jelly meatballs recipe
6. Bonus: Swedish Meatballs
Creamy sour cream gravy with allspice and nutmeg.
Get the full bonus: swedish meatballs recipe
Tips for Crockpot Meatballs
- Bake homemade meatballs first. Raw meatballs can fall apart in the sauce.
- Heat to 165°F. Check the center of a meatball.
- Stir gently. Use a spoon, not a whisk, so they stay whole.
- Hold on WARM. For parties, up to 2 hours.
Equipment I Used
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Crockpot Meatballs FAQ
Can you put raw meatballs in the crockpot?
You can, but they may fall apart. Baking them for 15 minutes first helps them keep their shape.
How long do meatballs take in the crockpot?
Frozen fully cooked meatballs take 3 to 4 hours on LOW. Freshly baked meatballs take 2 to 3 hours.
Can I use turkey meatballs?
Yes. Use the same sauces and timing.
How many meatballs per person?
4 to 5 cocktail meatballs per person as an appetizer, 8 to 10 as a main.
