Okay, picture this: It’s a chilly evening, everyone’s tired, and the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is, well, less than appealing. That’s when these cheesy slow cooker meatballs come to the rescue! They’re seriously the easiest, most comforting meal I know. It’s like having a big, warm hug in a bowl, kind of like a classic spaghetti and meatballs, but with a cheesy, melty twist that just elevates everything. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work! Forget standing over a hot stove – these babies simmer away happily while you get on with your day.
What is Cheesy Slow Cooker Meatballs?
Think of cheesy slow cooker meatballs as your weeknight savior. It’s essentially classic meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, but with a generous addition of cheese that melts and creates this incredible, gooey, cheesy coating. The name kind of gives it away, right? These meatballs are cooked low and slow in your trusty slow cooker, which means they become unbelievably tender and soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my house – everyone loves it!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for these cheesy slow cooker meatballs!
* **Flavor explosion:** The combination of savory meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is just divine. It’s a flavor party in your mouth! And the best part? The slow cooker intensifies all those flavors, making them even more incredible.
* Is it simple? I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is easy. You basically dump everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away! Minimal effort, maximum flavor. This is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things.
* What are some of the Meatballs can be made with inexpensive ground meat, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. You don’t need to break the bank to feed your family a delicious, satisfying meal. I often stock up on ground beef when it’s on sale, just so I can whip up a batch of these.
* Super versatile: You can serve these cheesy slow cooker meatballs in so many ways! Over pasta, in sandwiches, as an appetizer… the possibilities are endless. Leftovers (if there are any!) are amazing too. I sometimes sneak a meatball straight from the fridge – don’t tell anyone!
This is honestly one of those recipes that just works. It’s similar to my slow cooker pulled pork in that it’s incredibly versatile, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. You can adjust the spices, use different types of cheese, even add veggies to the sauce. It’s your cheesy slow cooker meatball masterpiece!
How do I make slow cooker meatballs?
Quick Overview
Making these cheesy slow cooker meatballs is a breeze! You’ll start by mixing up your meatball mixture, browning them (optional, but recommended for extra flavor!), and then tossing them into the slow cooker with your favorite tomato sauce and a generous helping of cheese. Then, just let it all simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey. The beauty of this method is that the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender, flavorful meatballs and a ridiculously easy cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1.5 lbs ground beef (I like to use 80/20 for flavor, but lean ground beef works too)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned is my go-to)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please!)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, but adds a nice freshness)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten (this helps bind everything together)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Olive oil, for browning (optional)
For the Sauce:
* 24 oz jar of your favorite tomato sauce (I love Rao’s, but any good quality sauce will work) * 1 pound of fresh ground beef. 5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained * 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, your preference) * 2 cups of water. What are cloves of garlic, minced (yes, more garlic! ) * 1 tablespoon dried oregano * 1/2 teaspoon dried basil * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if desired) * 1/2 cup water (or beef broth, for extra flavor) * 1/4 cup oats (for a little kick)
For the Cheese:
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone) * 1/4 cup grated cheese. What is Parmesan cheese?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), minced garlic. Set aside. What are the ingredients for this recipe: garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough.
Step 2: Form Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure they’re all uniform in size. I usually get about 24-30 meatballs from this recipe.
Step 3: Brown Meatballs (Optional)
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally until they’re browned on all sides. This step is optional, but it adds a lot of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape in the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside. Garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and water (or beef broth). Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Add Meatballs to Sauce
Cook meatballs in a slow cooker. Gently place them in the sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more water or tomato sauce to cover them.
Step 6: Cook in Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. What are meatballs? I always do a taste test for my food to make sure it is just right.
Step 7: Add Cheese
If you’re serving a salad about 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. How do you cook meatballs in a slow cooker? Cover and let the cheese melt completely. If desired, serve immediately.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some good slow cooker meatballs to serve over pasta? Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best slow cooker meatball recipes? What are some of my favorite pairings?Over Pasta:This is the classic choice for a reason! Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta – spaghetti, penne, or even rigatoni. I love adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to my salad.In Sandwiches:Load up toasted hoagie rolls with the meatballs, sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a cheesy treat. I like to add a little pesto to my bread. I’ve tried it. It’s messy, but so good!As an Appetizer:Serve meatballs in a bowl with toothpicks for an appetizer. This is perfect for parties or game day gatherings. A little crusty bread on the side for dipping is always a good idea.What are the best ways to serve maWhat is a comfort food dream come true? What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes and cheesy sauce? I like to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to mashed potatoes for extra richness. * *Alongside a Salad: WhatWhat’s a good salad to serve with meatballs? What are some good salad dressings? In my family, we often serve these meatballs with garlic bread – because who can resist garlic? What is the best way to serve saucy meat Is it a carb overload? What is the perfect meal for a long day? Make and serve.
How do I make cheesy slow cooker meatballs?
How do you make slow cooker meatballs? What are some of the best tips for a meatball recipe?Don’t Overmix:When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Can overmixing make meatballs tough and dense. Mix until just combined.Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the final dish. Use good quality ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce for the best results.
* Brown the Meatballs (If You Have Time): Browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can swing it.
* Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the meatballs and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. If your slow cooker is too full, the meatballs may not cook evenly. If needed, cook the meatballs in batches.
* Use a Cheese Blend: For the ultimate cheesy experience, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese. The provolone adds a slightly sharper flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
* Add Veggies to the Sauce: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce. This is a great way to add nutrients and flavor to the dish. My kids never even notice!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These cheesy slow cooker meatballs are even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
* Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* Reheating Instructions: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the cheese rubbery.
One thing I always do is let the meatballs cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make the meatballs soggy. And when reheating, I like to add a splash of water or tomato sauce to the saucepan to keep the meatballs from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These cheesy slow cooker meatballs are seriously one of my all-time favorite recipes. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It is the ultimate comfort food that the whole family enjoys! If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also like my slow cooker pulled pork or my creamy tomato soup. Give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! And be sure to let me know how yours turn out in the comments below. What are your favorite variations? Happy cooking!
Cheesy Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Ground pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 15 oz Tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Gently mix until combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
