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Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

Frozen meatballs braise with caramelized onions, red wine, beef gravy, and ketchup in a slow cooker for hours, creating tender, glossy appetizers in deeply flavorful sauce. This minimal-effort dish requires fifteen minutes of prep, then cooks unattended, delivering restaurant-quality results perfect for parties or lazy weeknight dinners without demanding constant attention.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 215
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 60 frozen fully-cooked meatballs partially thawed
  • 3 cups onions chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 1 ounce packages beef gravy mix
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 8 ounce package curly noodles

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing your slow cooker and adding the base ingredients. Place the 60 frozen fully-cooked meatballs (partially thawed) into your crockpot as the foundation. Add the 3 cups of chopped onions, spreading them evenly around the meatballs.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of red wine, and the 2 (1 ounce) packages of beef gravy mix, whisking until the gravy mix is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
  3. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, then stir in the 1/4 cup of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, guaranteeing all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. The onions should be very soft and caramelized by this point, having released their natural sugars into the sauce. Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to guarantee even heat distribution, though this dish is quite forgiving and doesn’t require constant attention.
  6. While the meatballs finish cooking, prepare the 1 (8 ounce) package of curly noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  7. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, you can serve them directly from the slow cooker as an appetizer with toothpicks, or toss them with the cooked noodles for a heartier main dish presentation.
  8. Keep the slow cooker on warm setting if serving as appetizers to maintain the ideal serving temperature throughout your gathering.

Notes

What to Serve with Crockpot Meatballs Appetizers

Plenty of sides can turn these savory meatballs from a standalone appetizer into a proper spread that’ll make your guests wonder if you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes. I’d pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, which soak up that rich wine sauce beautifully.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Crusty bread works too, perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy. For something different, consider roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. Want to keep it simple.
Serve them over rice pilaf or polenta. The key’s balancing hearty starches with something fresh, preventing your guests from feeling too stuffed. Mix and match based on what you’ve got on hand.