Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole Recipe

This hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole is your new go-to for cozy, no-fuss dinners. Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich, garlicky tomato sauce all cook together in one pot—your trusty slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! It’s the kind of satisfying, cheesy, saucy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a delicious, bubbling casserole ready to serve.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The meatballs soak up all the savory goodness of the tomato sauce as they cook low and slow, creating deep, rich flavors you’d swear came from hours of stovetop simmering.
• Family-Friendly Classic: This one is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s cozy, familiar, and packed with everything both kids and adults love—pasta, cheese, and meatballs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy delicious leftovers for days. It reheats beautifully and even freezes well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Meatballs: Choose your favorite beef or turkey meatballs. Store-bought keeps it simple, but homemade works great too if you have them on hand.
• Pasta: Uncooked short pasta like penne or rotini works best. They hold up well during slow cooking and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality jarred marinara or your favorite homemade version. Go for something garlicky or herby for added depth.
• Chicken or Beef Broth: Keeps the pasta moist and prevents it from drying out while cooking.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds that signature Italian flavor with oregano, basil, and thyme. Feel free to adjust to taste.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These bring in extra savory flavor without the need for chopping.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping. Add some inside the casserole for extra cheesiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parm adds a salty, nutty kick that completes the dish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby garnish at the end.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage meatballs for some heat.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure the meatballs are GF-certified.
• Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a luscious, creamy tomato base.

How to Make Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Base

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Add the frozen meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and broth. Stir everything together to coat evenly.

Step 2: Season

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir again to make sure the spices are well-distributed.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through. Be sure to stir once or twice during cooking if possible.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Once everything is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley, and serve it up hot and melty!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Frozen Meatballs Straight from the Freezer: No need to thaw—just toss them in. They’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
• Keep an Eye on the Pasta: Pasta in the slow cooker can go from perfect to mushy quickly. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
• Add Cheese at the End: Melting the cheese at the very end ensures it’s perfectly gooey without getting rubbery.
• Stir Gently: Once the pasta starts to soften, give it a gentle stir occasionally to prevent sticking without breaking the noodles.

How to Serve

This casserole is comfort food heaven all on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas to make it a complete meal:

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery garlic bread for scooping up that delicious sauce.

Drinks:

A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon makes a great match.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better with time!

Freezing

Let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until hot. Add a splash of broth or sauce if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker, as raw meatballs might not cook evenly with the pasta.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti hold up well and absorb the sauce nicely. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which can clump together.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but it’s not ideal for pasta. Cooking on HIGH may cause the pasta to become mushy or overcooked. Stick to LOW for the best texture.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
Keep an eye on the cook time and avoid overcooking. Stir gently during the cooking process, and don’t leave it sitting too long after it’s done.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—hearty, saucy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s everything you love about classic Italian flavors with the simplicity of a slow cooker. Give it a try next time you want a stress-free, satisfying dinner. You’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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