Hearty Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

When you craft slow cooker meatball casserole recipe here, savory aromas fill your kitchen that promises comfort in every bite.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestled in rich sauce create a meal that speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Layers of flavor meld together, promising a dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

The combination of ground beef, herbs, and cheese ensures a mouthwatering experience that delights even the pickiest eaters.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and home-style comfort.

This recipe transforms simple components into a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather around and prepare for a culinary journey that celebrates the joy of easy, delicious cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole

• Meatballs: Pre-made or homemade meatballs provide hearty protein and create the main substance of the dish, choose Italian-style or beef meatballs for authentic flavor.
• Pasta: Uncooked short pasta like penne or rotini absorbs sauce beautifully and creates perfect texture, select pasta with ridges to capture more sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that adds rich tomato flavor and moisture, opt for high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Water or Broth: Helps create necessary liquid for cooking pasta and preventing burning, chicken or vegetable broth adds extra depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that enhance overall Mediterranean flavor profile, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic texture, choose pure powder without additives.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing other flavors, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates creamy, stretchy layer, select low-moisture variety for best melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty finish and beautiful golden color, freshly grated gives superior flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Brightens dish with fresh aromatics, basil or parsley work wonderfully.

Tools To Cook Meatball Casserole In The Slow Cooker

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the entire dish, provides hands-off convenience.
• Measuring Cups: Perfect for accurately measuring marinara sauce and water.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for precise amounts of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining meatballs with sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
• Optional Herb Scissors: Handy for chopping fresh herbs as a garnish.

Instructions For Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole

• Prep Your Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Layer Flavor Makers

Toss meatballs into the slow cooker and pour in marinara sauce. Shake in some Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper for a delicious base.

• Add Pasta

Gently mix uncooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s mostly submerged for even cooking.

• Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until pasta becomes tender and absorbs all those amazing flavors.

• Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comforting meal while it’s piping hot. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips For Meatball Casserole

• Pasta Power: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini for best texture and even cooking in the slow cooker.
• Meatball Magic: Use pre-made frozen meatballs to save time, or craft homemade meatballs with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Liquid Love: Adjust liquid ratio slightly if using homemade marinara or thicker sauce to prevent dry pasta; add an extra 1/4 cup of water or broth.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version of this hearty casserole.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a lactose-free meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serve Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole Deliciously

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheesy Bread Companion: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Family-Style Presentation: Transfer the casserole to a large serving dish, letting everyone scoop their own hearty portion with extra cheese on the side.
• Side Salad Pairing: Create a light Mediterranean-inspired salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple olive oil dressing to balance the rich meatball casserole.

Storage Solutions For Meatball Casserole

• Smart Meal Portioning: Divide leftovers into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during the workweek. These single-serve portions reheat perfectly in the microwave within 2-3 minutes.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store remaining casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain optimal freshness and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled meatball casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in microwave or oven. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying out. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Hearty Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker meatball casserole brings comfort and flavor from Italy to your dinner table. Savory beef meatballs nestled in rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag (24 oz / 680 g) frozen fully cooked meatballs
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lightly spray the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Meatball Layer: Arrange meatballs in the slow cooker and pour marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage and creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Seasoning Integration: Incorporate Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly and enhance overall taste profile.
4. Pasta Incorporation: Submerge uncooked pasta within the sauce, positioning pieces to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
5. Cooking Progression: Select high temperature setting for 2.5-3 hours or low setting for 5-6 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and pasta to reach optimal tenderness while developing deep, complex flavors.
6. Cheese Finalization: Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious molten blanket that transforms the casserole’s texture and visual appeal.
7. Serving Presentation: Once cheese becomes golden and bubbling, remove from slow cooker and garnish with fresh herbs, presenting a vibrant, aromatic dish ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta gently midway through cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even moisture distribution.
• Customize Meat Options: Swap traditional beef meatballs with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or health considerations.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown melting without burning.
• Liquid Balance Matters: Adjust marinara sauce quantity if using different pasta types to maintain ideal moisture and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg