Italian Slow Cooker Dump Meatball Dinner Recipe
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.
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
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.
PrintItalian Slow Cooker Dump Meatball Dinner Recipe
This Italian Slow Cooker Dump Meatball Dinner is a hassle-free, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Simply combine frozen Italian-style meatballs with marinara sauce, fresh bell peppers, onion, and Italian seasoning in a slow cooker. Cook slowly to blend flavors and serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or in hoagie rolls for delicious meatball subs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 bag (24 ounces) frozen Italian-style meatballs
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups sliced bell peppers (any color), fresh or frozen
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the frozen Italian-style meatballs directly into the slow cooker; there’s no need to thaw them first.
- Add sauce and vegetables: Pour the jar of marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top to layer the flavors.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the tablespoon of Italian seasoning over all the ingredients. Give everything a quick gentle stir to slightly combine without breaking up the meatballs.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The dish is ready when the meatballs are thoroughly heated and the vegetables have softened.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or inside hoagie rolls for a tasty meatball sub. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use any color bell peppers or a mix to add vibrant flavor and color.
- You can prepare pasta or zucchini noodles separately to serve alongside or as a base.
- For added richness, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- This recipe is very adaptable—feel free to add chopped mushrooms or olives if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, Italian meatball dinner, easy crockpot recipe, dump and cook meatballs, weeknight dinner
