There’s just something soul-warming about a Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe that simmers all day, filling your home with irresistible aroma and flavor. Tender meatballs bathed in rich, spiced tomato sauce—makes for the perfect family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish!

A white rectangular plate holds a pile of meatballs covered in thick red tomato sauce. The meatballs are evenly shaped, brown with a slightly rough texture. The tomato sauce looks chunky and coats the meatballs well, pooling slightly at the base. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the red sauce and brown meatballs. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these slow cooker meatballs, I’m always amazed at how easy they are yet how deeply flavorful the end result is. It’s like magic—throw everything in the slow cooker, and hours later, you’ve got fork-tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a tomato sauce bursting with Italian spices.

Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—perfect for busy days.
Rich Flavor: The all-day simmer develops a sauce bursting with just the right balance of spice and sweetness.
Versatile Serving: Great over spaghetti, in sandwiches, or as tasty appetizers.
Family-Friendly: Tender meatballs made with a blend of beef and turkey sausage everyone will love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the store, know that the heart of this recipe lies in fresh herbs and quality meats, plus pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Picking good-quality Italian turkey sausage and fresh parsley really amps up the flavor, and don’t skimp on the Pecorino Romano cheese—it adds that perfect salty punch to the meatballs.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant finely diced onion, one fresh green bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden brown breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white milk, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh curly green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white Pecorino Romano cheese, one whole uncracked brown egg, one mound of fresh raw ground beef, one mound of fresh raw Italian turkey sausage, and a neat bundle of uncooked spaghetti strands—all arranged with perfect symmetry, balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Crushed tomatoes: The base for your sauce, bringing rich tomato flavor and body.
Onions: Both for sweetness in the sauce and a subtle crunch in the meatballs.
Bay leaf: Adds a hint of earthiness to round out the tomato sauce.
Sugar: Balances the acidity in the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a gentle spicy kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the sauce and meatballs properly.
Breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender by soaking up moisture.
Milk: Moisturizes breadcrumbs and adds richness to meatballs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the meatballs with savory depth.
Fresh parsley: Freshness and herby brightness to balance the rich meat.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian seasoning brings warmth and complexity.
Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps bind meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.
Ground beef and Italian turkey sausage: A perfect duo for juicy, flavorful meatballs with a hint of spice from the sausage.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and occasions. Whether you're tweaking spices or turning it into a party-perfect appetizer, it’s a recipe open to personalization.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a splash of hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who crave a little more heat without overpowering the classic tomato flavor.
Herb Variations: Fresh basil or oregano can be folded into the meatball mixture for a fragrant twist—either fresh or dried works in a pinch!
Cheese Swap: Parmesan is fantastic here, but I’ve also tried Pecorino Romano for a saltier, tangier bite. Either way, it brings that creamy depth everyone loves.
Meat Options: While beef and Italian turkey sausage make a great duo, ground pork or even a veal blend will also keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.
Serving Ideas: Beyond spaghetti, try the meatballs in a crusty hoagie bun with provolone for a mouthwatering sandwich, or keep them bite-sized as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe

A black slow cooker is filled with about thirty round meatballs that have a light brown color with small green herb bits inside. The meatballs float in a thick, bright red sauce with a slightly chunky texture. The slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface, showing the contrast between the dark cooker and the light background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Start the Sauce with Care

First things first: set your slow cooker to low. Pour in the crushed tomatoes from both cans, add the finely diced onion, then tuck in the bay leaf. Sprinkle the sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on top. Give it a gentle stir—just enough to combine everything but not so much that you lose that chunky texture. You’ll notice the sauce start to meld even as we prep the meatballs.

Step 2: Soften the Breadcrumbs

In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup breadcrumbs with ½ cup milk. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the moisture fully—this little step keeps your meatballs wonderfully tender and moist.

Step 3: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

To the soaked breadcrumbs, add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped fresh parsley, freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, dried oregano, shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, and a large egg. Use a fork to mix these ingredients well, then add the ground beef and Italian turkey sausage. Now, roll up your sleeves and use your hands to gently combine everything. A light touch is key here—just enough to bring all the flavors together without overworking the meat.

Step 4: Shape Those Meatballs

Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, or grab a #40 cookie scoop if you prefer uniform sizes. Pinch off about a tablespoon of the meat mixture, then roll it into a ball slightly smaller than a golf ball. Place each meatball directly into the sauce in the slow cooker as you go. Don’t worry if some aren’t fully submerged — they'll settle in as they cook and release their juices, enriching the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid on your slow cooker and let it do its magic. Cook on low for 5 hours for tender, juicy meatballs infused with rich tomato flavors. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, cook on high for 5 hours. For even deeper flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, try cooking low and slow for 8 to 10 hours.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your meatballs and sauce over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti, spoon them into hoagie buns for a hearty sandwich, or lay them out as party appetizers. If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer it to a skillet over medium-high heat and reduce it by simmering, stirring to incorporate any fat that rises to the surface. This step intensifies the sauce’s richness and clings beautifully to your meatballs and pasta alike.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of slow cooking meatballs in tomato sauce means paying attention to a few key details that will really elevate your dish. These tips come from hands-on kitchen experience and will help ensure your Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Keep Hands Wet: When shaping the meatballs, wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking and makes rolling smooth and easy.
Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a #40 cookie scoop helps you create evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate and look uniform.
Longer, Low Cooking: If you have the time, cooking on low for 8 to 10 hours deepens the flavors and results in the tenderest meatballs — totally worth the wait!
Don’t Overmix: Mix your meatball ingredients just until combined to avoid dense, tough meatballs. Gentle hands make all the difference.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl filled with several brown meatballs covered in a thick red sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces, sits slightly to the left on a white marbled surface. Behind it, a white rectangular plate holds more meatballs in the same red sauce, slightly blurred. To the right side on the surface, a silver fork rests parallel to the edge of the image. The entire scene shows soft natural light and clean presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top brightens these rich meatballs beautifully. A light dusting of extra Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty kick. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving is a tasty sensation.

Side Dishes

Of course, serving these meatballs over spaghetti or your favorite pasta is a classic option. But don’t stop there! Try them on toasted hoagie buns for a hearty meatball sandwich that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day. For a lighter meal, pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness of the sauce and meat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, giving you quick, satisfying meals the following days.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use only ground beef or only turkey sausage?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses a combination for flavor and texture, using all ground beef or all Italian turkey sausage also works well. Keep seasoning adjustments in mind to suit the meat’s flavor.

Is it necessary to soak the breadcrumbs in milk?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps keep the meatballs tender and moist. Skipping this step can result in drier meatballs, so it’s a worthwhile part of the process to achieve that perfect texture.

Can I cook the meatballs on high instead of low?

Yes! You can cook on high for 5 hours as an alternative to 8-10 hours on low. Just keep in mind that slower cooking tends to better develop flavors and tenderness.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

After the slow cooker is done, transfer the sauce and meatballs to a skillet over medium-high heat and simmer until the sauce reduces to your desired thickness. Stir often to incorporate any fat and prevent scorching.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Tomato Meatballs Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With a handful of simple ingredients and slow cooker magic, you get tender, flavor-packed meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a hearty sandwich, these meatballs never fail to impress. So go ahead, enjoy the cooking journey and savor every bite!