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Crock Pot Meatloaf Meatballs

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These meatballs are cooked slowly in a crock pot, combining frozen meatballs with a sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, beef broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. The slow cooking process infuses the meatballs with rich, comforting flavors, making them ideal for gatherings or casual meals. No thawing is needed before cooking, and you can adjust the heat setting according to your schedule. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this approach transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, flavorful delight that's effortless to prepare and serves well throughout the week when refrigerated.

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A smiling chef holding a plate of food.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:44:11 GMT
A wooden spoon is in a crock pot filled with meatballs. Bookmark
A wooden spoon is in a crock pot filled with meatballs. | tinycakee.com

These Crock Pot Meatloaf Meatballs are a simple and comforting twist on classic meatloaf turned into flavorful bite sized morsels that cook right from frozen. With just a handful of pantry ingredients combined into a rich sauce, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a hearty snack or meal with minimal effort. Perfect for game nights, casual parties, or a cozy dinner, these meatballs offer that nostalgic meatloaf taste in a convenient and crowd pleasing form.

I first made these meatballs when I craved meatloaf but needed something quicker and easier. They quickly became a family favorite with my kids requesting them anytime we had movie night.

Ingredients

  • Two pounds frozen meatballs: using frozen means no extra prep and they hold shape well opt for homestyle for that classic meatloaf texture
  • One and a half cups ketchup: the base for the sauce to add tang and sweetness choose a good quality ketchup for best flavor
  • Half a cup light brown sugar: adds depth and caramel like sweetness that balances the tang of the ketchup
  • Half a cup beef broth: enriches the sauce with savory notes if unavailable chicken broth or water can be used
  • Two tablespoons yellow mustard: brings a subtle sharpness that wakes up the sauce
  • One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: boosts umami and adds complexity to the meatball glaze
  • Half a teaspoon onion powder: adds gentle onion flavor without texture undercover flavor enhancer
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish: optional touch of color and freshness when serving

Instructions

Spoon out the Sauce:
Combine ketchup brown sugar beef broth yellow mustard Worcestershire sauce and onion powder in a bowl stirring until smooth and well blended to create the signature meatloaf sauce.
Load the Crock Pot:
Place frozen meatballs in a 3 quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs ensuring each one is coated for maximum flavor infusion.
Set the Cook Time:
Cover and set the slow cooker on high for about 2 to 2.5 hours if you want to eat sooner or set on low for 3 to 4 hours for a slower gentle cooking that lets flavors meld deeply.
Final Touches:
Once cooked switch the crock pot to warm to keep the meatballs at serving temperature. Just before serving sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
A crock pot filled with meatballs and sauce.
A crock pot filled with meatballs and sauce. | tinycakee.com

I have a soft spot for the sauce blend because it reminds me of my mom's classic meatloaf glaze a flavor that feels like home in every bite. Serving these meatballs sliced with melted cheese on mini sub rolls was the highlight of a family game night that I still fondly remember.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or slow cooker on low to keep meatballs tender and moist. Avoid freezing meatballs after cooking as it can affect the texture and sauce quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

If beef broth is not on hand use chicken broth or simply water the sauce will still taste great but with a slightly lighter flavor. For a tangier sauce try substituting yellow mustard with Dijon mustard. You can choose any type of frozen meatballs you like though homestyle varieties give the closest feel to meatloaf itself.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs make a perfect appetizer on their own dipped in extra sauce. For a more substantial meal pile them on slider buns with sliced cheese and pickles to create delicious mini meatloaf subs. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance.

A wooden spoon is dipping into a crock pot of meatballs.
A wooden spoon is dipping into a crock pot of meatballs. | tinycakee.com

These Crock Pot meatloaf meatballs are an easy crowd pleasing appetizer or meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve with extra sauce.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can frozen meatballs be used directly?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be added straight into the slow cooker without defrosting, simplifying preparation.

→ What can replace beef broth in the sauce?

Chicken broth or water can be used as alternatives to beef broth without affecting the flavor much.

→ How long should the meatballs cook on low heat?

Cooking on low heat usually takes between 3 to 4 hours to fully infuse the flavors and warm the meatballs.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead and stored?

Yes, it stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be gently reheated.

→ What makes the sauce flavorful?

The sauce combines ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder, delivering a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste reminiscent of classic meatloaf toppings.

→ Are there serving suggestions for this dish?

These meatballs pair perfectly with fresh parsley garnish, and can be served as appetizers, snacks, or in mini subs topped with cheese.

Crock Pot Meatloaf Meatballs

Tender meatballs cooked in a savory sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire, slow-cooked to perfection.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
150 minutes
Total Time
155 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 6 Portion Count (6 servings)

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Meatballs

01 2 pounds frozen meatballs

→ Sauce

02 1 ½ cups ketchup
03 ½ cup light brown sugar
04 ½ cup beef broth
05 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 ½ teaspoon onion powder

→ Garnish

08 Freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Add frozen meatballs, ketchup, brown sugar, beef broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder into a 3-quart or larger slow cooker.

Step 02

Cook on high heat for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low heat for 3 to 4 hours without thawing the meatballs.

Step 03

Reduce slow cooker to warm setting. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley over meatballs before serving.

Helpful Hints

  1. Chicken broth or water may be substituted for beef broth. Using homestyle meatballs enhances the meatloaf flavor. These meatballs do not require defrosting prior to cooking and retain robust flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker (minimum 3-quart capacity)

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains beef; may contain allergens in processed meatballs such as gluten, soy, or dairy depending on brand.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 542
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 27 g