Name: Easy Cheesy 4-Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: 24 oz Frozen Meatballs, (about 2 packs); 24 oz bottled Marinara Sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese, (or to taste); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (or to taste)

Enjoy this deliciously simple 4 Ingredient Cheesy Italian Meatballs! This crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipe combines frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for an effortless, Italian-inspired dish. Perfect for appetizers or served over pasta for a simple and tasty weeknight dinner!

Jump to Recipe

Are you craving a comforting, cheesy Italian dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy? Look no further than these 4 Ingredient Cheesy Italian Meatballs! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

I had to bring a dish to share to our ladies’ fellowship the other day. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to shop to make an elaborate dish properly and had to rely on some pantry staples to create something tasty but not too fancy.

Thankfully, I had some frozen meatballs in the freezer, a variety of cheeses in the fridge plus an endless supply of marinara sauce! I thought all these ingredients together would make an easy but deliciously cheesy meatball appetizer that everyone would love.

Indeed they loved it because I came home with an empty slow cooker and with the ladies raving about how delicious it was! They probably thought I cooked this dish for hours because it was so flavorful but I’ll let you know I did it for 2! I am so thankful for my wonderful slow cooker that I produced an easy and delicious meatball recipe with just 5 minutes prep time and only 4 ingredients!

Why You Would Love This Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just four ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness. The best part? These cheesy Italian meatballs are a breeze to prepare – just 5 minutes is all you need, thanks to the magic of your crock pot.

These cheesy meatballs are also incredibly versatile – serve them as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering, or transform them into a complete meal by ladling them over your favorite pasta. Either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Ingredients for this 4-Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs

Frozen Meatballs: The foundation of this dish is two packs of frozen meatballs (at least 24 ounces total). Using pre-made meatballs saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on the cheesy goodness.
Marinara Sauce: A bottle of your favorite marinara sauce adds a rich, tomato-y base that perfectly complements the meatballs.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A cup or two of shredded mozzarella cheese provide that irresistible, melty texture and classic Italian flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami punch that takes these meatballs to the next level.

How to Cook this Easy Cheesy 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that the meatballs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the meatballs and sauce.

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on high for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are fully heated through and the cheese has melted into a glorious, gooey blanket.

Once the meatballs are ready, you can serve them straight from the slow cooker as a delicious appetizer or main course. For a heartier meal, spoon them over your favorite pasta or crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of that cheesy marinara sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh meatballs, you can certainly substitute them for the frozen ones. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as fresh meatballs may cook faster than frozen.

Can I make these meatballs in the oven or on the stovetop? While the slow cooker method is incredibly convenient, you can also bake or pan-fry these meatballs. For the oven, arrange the meatballs in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted. For the stovetop, brown the meatballs in a skillet, then add the sauce and cheese, simmering until the cheese melts.

Can I use different types of cheese? Certainly! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic Italian cheese choices, feel free to experiment with other varieties like provolone, asiago, or even a blend of cheeses.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes, these meatballs are perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the slow cooker or oven when you’re ready to serve.

What sides go well with these cheesy Italian meatballs?
These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple pasta dish like spaghetti or penne.

With their irresistible cheesy flavor and effortless preparation, these 4 Ingredient Cheesy Italian Meatballs will surely become a staple in your household. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy, Italian-inspired delight!