This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Meatballs recipe is one of those dishes that instantly reminds me why I love slow cooking so much. There’s something so comforting about rolling tender meatballs, pouring a rich tomato sauce over them, and letting the slow cooker do all the work while the house fills with the most incredible Italian aroma. The mix of Italian sausage and ground beef creates meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender, and as they simmer low and slow in a marinara sauce filled with onions, garlic, and finely diced carrots, everything melts together into a cozy, hearty meal. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something warm, comforting, and satisfying without standing over the stove for hours, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect slow cooker convenience: This meal requires minimal prep and simmers for hours without you watching it, making life easier on busy days.
• Incredible flavor from two meats: Using both Italian sausage and ground beef creates rich depth, tenderness, and the perfect texture in every bite.
• Sauce cooks itself: The marinara absorbs onion, garlic, and carrot flavors as it simmers, creating a thick, hearty, restaurant-style sauce.
• No browning needed: You can drop the raw meatballs straight into the sauce and let them cook entirely in the slow cooker.
• Family-friendly comfort food: Kids and adults love these tender meatballs served over pasta, rice, or tucked into warm sub rolls.
• Freezer-friendly: Both the uncooked meatballs and the fully cooked dish freeze beautifully for easy future meals.
• Flexible recipe: Use spicy sausage for heat, add herbs, or swap vegetables depending on what you have.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
• In a large bowl, combine Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until everything is fully combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
• Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in size.
• Set them aside on a plate or sheet pan.
Step 3: Build the Sauce in the Slow Cooker
• Add crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, diced onions, diced carrots, minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker.
• Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add Meatballs to the Cooker
• Gently place the meatballs into the sauce in a single layer, submerging them lightly.
• Do not stir to avoid breaking them at this stage.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
• Meatballs should be fully cooked and very tender.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
• Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce.
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or inside toasted sub rolls.
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Cooking Notes
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture or they may become dense.
• Submerging the meatballs slightly in the sauce helps them stay tender as they cook.
• If the sauce is too thick at the end, add a splash of broth.
• If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations
• Use all Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
• Use all ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add crushed red pepper for heat.
• Stir in spinach during the last 10 minutes for added greens.
Serving Suggestions
• Over spaghetti or rigatoni
• With mashed potatoes
• As meatball subs in toasted rolls
• Over creamy polenta
• With garlic bread and a side salad
Tips
• Chill the meatballs 20 minutes before slow cooking to help them hold shape.
• Wet your hands when rolling meatballs to prevent sticking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
• Add a Parmesan rind to the sauce while cooking for even deeper flavor.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approx. 480 calories – 28g protein – 32g fat – 16g carbs
FAQs
Can I brown the meatballs first?
- Yes! Browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps them hold shape. However, the recipe is designed to work beautifully without browning, so that step is optional.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
- Absolutely. You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the fully cooked meatballs in sauce for easy meals later.
What type of sausage works best?
- Mild Italian sausage is classic and family-friendly, but spicy Italian sausage adds great flavor if you prefer heat. Chicken or turkey Italian sausage also works perfectly.
Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
- Yes, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. If using frozen meatballs, reduce cooking time slightly since they’re already precooked.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
- Remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste. You can also mash a few cooked meatballs into the sauce to naturally thicken it.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Meatballs are the perfect cozy, hearty meal for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort. The mix of sausage and ground beef creates incredibly tender meatballs, and the long simmer in marinara sauce builds flavor that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in subs, or with garlic bread, this recipe brings comfort, warmth, and amazing flavor every time. It’s a must-have slow cooker classic that you’ll return to again and again.
