Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders make for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for game days or casual gatherings. With tender meatballs simmered in flavorful marinara and melted cheese on soft slider buns, they are warm, satisfying, and simple to prepare.

Three mini sandwiches are placed side by side on a white rectangular plate with a wavy edge. Each sandwich has a light golden brown top bun with a soft texture. The middle layer consists of melting light beige cheese slices that cover a thick, rich reddish-brown meat sauce base on the bottom bun, which is slightly crumbly and pale yellow. Each sandwich is held together by a thin bamboo skewer with a small loop at the top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with small green parsley pieces scattered around, and a striped blue cloth is visible at the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 32 oz. package frozen meatballs (no need to thaw)
  • 48 oz. marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce (two 24-oz. jars)
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning (or oregano)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • Slider rolls
  • Sliced provolone, Swiss, or shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the marinara sauce to the slow cooker and stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Stir occasionally if you can.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the meatballs onto slider buns and top each with your choice of cheese.
  5. Step 5: If desired, place sliders under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For added flavor, mix fresh chopped basil or parsley into the sauce before cooking.
  • Try using different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a twist.
  • Serve with a side of pickles or crispy onions to add crunch.
  • Use homemade meatballs if you prefer fresh over frozen.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating the assembled sliders with cheese to prevent sogginess; add fresh cheese afterward.

How to Serve

The image shows a white slow cooker filled with red tomato sauce and about fifteen round meatballs slightly browned on top scattered evenly in the sauce. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled across the meatballs and sauce for garnish. The slow cooker is on a white marbled surface, and around it are a white plate with pale cheese slices, a wooden spoon, and a basket with bread rolls partially visible. A blue and white striped cloth is under the slow cooker. The sauce looks thick with a rich red color, and the meatballs have a textured surface. 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 work well. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly, typically 2 to 3 hours on low in the slow cooker.

What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a simple substitute.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (High) or 5 hours 5 minutes (Low)
  • Yield: Approximately 12 sliders 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders made with tender frozen meatballs simmered in flavorful marinara sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder, served on slider buns with melted cheese. Perfect for a casual party appetizer or family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 32 oz. package frozen meatballs (no need to thaw)
  • 48 oz. marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce) (two 24-oz. jars)
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning (or oregano)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

For Assembly

  • Slider rolls
  • Sliced provolone, Swiss, or shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the slow cooker, then add garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine the seasonings evenly into the sauce.
  2. Add the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce and gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
  3. Cook the meatballs: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. You can stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Assemble sliders: Once cooked, place the hot meatballs onto slider rolls and top with your choice of sliced provolone, Swiss, or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Optional broil: If desired, place assembled sliders under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese for a gooey topping before serving.

Notes

  • You can use any type of marinara or spaghetti sauce you prefer for different flavor profiles.
  • Frozen meatballs do not require thawing; they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
  • Broiling the cheese is optional but adds a nice melted, golden finish.
  • Double the recipe for larger gatherings or scale down as needed.
  • Serve these sliders with a side salad or chips to complete your meal.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (High) or 5 hours (Low)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: slow cooker meatball sliders, meatball appetizers, easy party sliders, slow cooked meatballs, Italian sliders

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Avatar photo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆