Name: Italian Slow Cooker Dump Meatball Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491741H29M30S
Total time: PT-491741H29M30S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bag (24 ounces) frozen Italian-style meatballs; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 2 cups sliced bell peppers (any color), fresh or frozen; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Introduction

This Italian Slow Cooker Dump Meatball Dinner is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy days. With minimal prep and flavorful ingredients, you can set it and forget it for a delicious dinner.

A white bowl filled with round meatballs fully covered in rich red tomato sauce, sprinkled lightly with grated cheese and topped with fresh green basil leaves. To the top left, there is another white bowl with plain spaghetti slightly coated with tomato sauce, showing a light orange color and smooth texture. A silver spoon rests inside the meatball bowl on top of a dark grey napkin. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered fresh basil leaves and a block of pale cheese on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag (24 ounces) frozen Italian-style meatballs
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
2 cups sliced bell peppers (any color, fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Dump the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker; there is no need to thaw them first.
Step 2: Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, then add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over everything and give it a quick stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or inside hoagie rolls for a meatball sub. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sauté the onions and peppers briefly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Use turkey or beef meatballs to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your sauce.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a base layer of long, thin, pale yellow spaghetti noodles. On top, there are four large brown meatballs covered with rich, chunky red tomato sauce. The sauce glistens and is thickly spread over the spaghetti and meatballs. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered around the plate, adding bright color. White grated cheese is sprinkled generously over the meatballs and sauce, giving a snowy texture on top. A woman's hand is holding a fork that slightly cuts into one meatball, showing its dense, crumbly brown inside. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred grey cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly. Check that meatballs are fully cooked and hot before serving.

What can I serve with this meatball dinner?

This dish pairs well with pasta, zucchini noodles, or hoagie rolls for subs. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad makes for a balanced meal.