slow cooker frozen meatball recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best slow cooker frozen meatball recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite slow cooker frozen meatball recipe! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love.

This recipe is a game-changer – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a holiday party. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me, which is a must in my household. My kids adore the tender and juicy meatballs that are infused with the flavors of Italian seasonings, and I love how they’re packed with protein and can be made in large quantities.

This recipe has been a staple in our home for years, and I’m confident it will become one of your family’s favorites too. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things while it cooks up a storm.

And let’s talk about the flavors – the combination of marinara sauce, frozen meatballs, and melted mozzarella cheese is absolute perfection. I’ve tried this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress my family and friends alike.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, this slow cooker frozen meatball recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and ahhs from your loved ones as they devour these mouthwatering morsels.

Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

4.5 from 581 votes

This recipe uses frozen meatballs and a simple marinara sauce for an effortless meal. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful meatballs perfect for subs or over pasta.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meatballs and Sauce

1 (32 ounce) bag frozen fully cooked Italian-style meatballs
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the entire bag of frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
2There is no need to thaw them first, as they will cook thoroughly during the slow cooking process.
3In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
4Stir the mixture until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the ingredients are well combined.
5Pour the prepared sauce over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
6Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
7Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours.
8The meatballs are done when they are heated through and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
9Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
10Serve the meatballs and sauce directly from the slow cooker, or keep them on the warm setting for serving.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, you can brown the frozen meatballs in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd. Serve the meatballs on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese for meatball subs, or over cooked spaghetti.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs in Marinara Sauce Works

This slow cooker frozen meatball recipe is one of my go-to’s for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event like a holiday party. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed, making it perfect for busy families like mine.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer or main course, depending on your preference. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – they reheat beautifully and are perfect for packing lunches or snacks throughout the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Frozen Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

1.

Q: Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?
A: While you can use fresh meatballs if you prefer, I find that frozen ones are just as good if not better in this recipe. The slow cooker magic helps to break down the connective tissues in the meatballs, making them tender and juicy.

2.

Q: What type of pasta or bread should I serve with this dish?
A: You can’t go wrong with serving this dish over pasta or with some crusty sub rolls on the side. My personal favorite is serving it with some garlic knots – they add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

3.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time by cooking the meatballs and sauce in separate containers in the slow cooker. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply place them together in a serving dish and let everyone help themselves.

4.

Q: How do I store leftover meatballs?
A: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating, make sure they’re heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

5.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different seasonings or ingredients?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings or add-ins. Some ideas include using different types of cheese or adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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