17 Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

Crockpot Meatballs are one of my favorite easy comfort foods because they’re hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how simple they are to make — just mix, roll, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The meatballs come out tender and juicy, simmering in a rich sauce that fills the whole kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm, homemade hug in every bite.

What I really enjoy is how versatile they are. You can serve them over spaghetti, with mashed potatoes, or even as sliders for parties and game days. The best part? You can prep them ahead of time and let the crockpot handle the rest. It’s a no-fuss, delicious meal that everyone loves — simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners.

Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

Classic Crockpot Meatballs

Source: Pinterest

A cozy, flavorful classic with tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:

• Ground beef

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Garlic

• Onion

• Tomato sauce

Steps to Make (Classic Crockpot Meatballs)

• Mix all meatball ingredients and roll into balls.

• Add to crockpot with tomato sauce.

• Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 380 calories

Italian Herb Meatballs

A delicious Italian-style version packed with herbs and savory tomato flavor.
Ingredients:

• Ground beef

• Italian seasoning

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Garlic

• Marinara sauce

Steps to Make (Italian Herb Meatballs)

• Combine beef, herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic.

• Roll into meatballs and place in crockpot.

• Pour marinara on top and cook 6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 395 calories

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatballs

Sticky, sweet, tangy meatballs perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:

• Frozen or fresh meatballs

• BBQ sauce

• Grape jelly

Steps to Make (Sweet and Tangy BBQ Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Mix BBQ sauce and jelly; pour over meatballs.

• Cook on low 4–5 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 420 calories

Honey Garlic Meatballs

A sweet-savory favorite with sticky honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Soy sauce

• Honey

• Garlic

• Ginger

Steps to Make (Honey Garlic Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Mix sauce ingredients; pour over meatballs.

• Cook 4–6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 410 calories

Swedish Meatballs

Creamy, comforting Swedish-style meatballs with a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Beef broth

• Cream

• Worcestershire

• Flour

Steps to Make (Swedish Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Mix broth, cream, and seasonings.

• Cook 6 hours; thicken sauce before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 450 calories

Teriyaki Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and packed with Asian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Teriyaki sauce

• Pineapple chunks

Steps to Make (Teriyaki Meatballs)

• Place meatballs in crockpot.

• Add teriyaki sauce and pineapple.

• Cook 4–6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 400 calories

Spicy Buffalo Meatballs

 

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Bold, spicy, and perfect for game day.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Buffalo sauce

• Butter

Steps to Make (Spicy Buffalo Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Pour buffalo sauce and melted butter.

• Cook on low 4 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 385 calories

Cranberry Holiday Meatballs

Sweet, tart, and festive — great for parties.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Cranberry sauce

• Chili sauce

Steps to Make (Cranberry Holiday Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Mix sauces; pour over.

• Cook 5 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 405 calories

Alfredo Parmesan Meatballs

 

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Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Alfredo sauce

• Parmesan

Steps to Make (Alfredo Parmesan Meatballs)

• Add meatballs and Alfredo sauce to crockpot.

• Cook 4–6 hours.

• Stir in Parmesan before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 470 calories

Italian Wedding Soup Meatballs

A cozy, brothy meatball soup slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:

• Small meatballs

• Spinach

• Broth

• Carrots

• Pasta (optional)

Steps to Make (Italian Wedding Soup Meatballs)

• Add all ingredients except pasta to crockpot.

• Cook 6–7 hours.

• Add pasta last 20 minutes.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 360 calories

Meatball Marinara Subs

Classic saucy meatballs perfect for sandwiches.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Marinara sauce

• Garlic

Steps to Make (Meatball Marinara Subs)

• Add meatballs and marinara to crockpot.

• Cook 4–6 hours.

• Spoon onto rolls.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 430 calories

Asian Sweet Chili Meatballs

Sweet, spicy, and sticky — irresistible flavor combo.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Sweet chili sauce

• Soy sauce

Steps to Make (Asian Sweet Chili Meatballs)

• Place meatballs in crockpot.

• Add sauces.

• Cook 4 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 395 calories

Garlic Butter Meatballs

Rich, buttery, and garlicky — so simple but full of flavor.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Butter

• Garlic

• Parsley

Steps to Make (Garlic Butter Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Pour garlic butter mixture over them.

• Cook 4–6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 420 calories

Meatballs with Peppers and Onions

Hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Bell peppers

• Onions

• Tomato sauce

Steps to Make (Meatballs with Peppers and Onions)

• Add meatballs and sliced veggies.

• Pour sauce.

• Cook 6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 390 calories

Creamy Ranch Meatballs

Tangy, savory ranch flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Ranch seasoning

• Cream cheese

Steps to Make (Creamy Ranch Meatballs)

• Add meatballs and ranch mix.

• Add cream cheese cubes.

• Cook 5 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 465 calories

Hawaiian Meatballs

A sweet tropical twist with pineapple and BBQ.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Pineapple

• BBQ sauce

Steps to Make (Hawaiian Meatballs)

• Add meatballs to crockpot.

• Pour BBQ and pineapple.

• Cook 4–6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 415 calories

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Cheesy, melty centers that make every bite special.
Ingredients:

• Meatballs

• Mozzarella cubes

• Marinara

Steps to Make (Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs)

• Stuff meatballs with cheese.

• Add to crockpot and cover with marinara.

• Cook 6 hours.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 475 calories

FAQ

Can I make the meatballs ahead and freeze them?

Definitely! Roll and freeze the meatballs raw or cooked, then add to the crockpot straight from frozen.

Can I use plant-based meatballs?

Yes! Vegan or vegetarian meatballs hold up well. Just reduce cook time by 30 minutes so they don’t get too soft.

How do I keep sauce from getting too thin?

Add less broth, or thicken at the end with 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water cooked for 15–20 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Yes — onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach can be added depending on flavor.

How do I keep meatballs from drying out?

Use ground meat with some fat (80/20 beef works great) and cook on low when possible.