Name: Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488104H6M34S
Total time: PT-488104H6M34S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes; 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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These slow cooker mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Each tender, juicy meatball is filled with gooey, melted mozzarella and slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cooked. It’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special without requiring much hands-on time in the kitchen. Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simplicity with indulgence. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy days or when I want a cozy, low-effort meal. The surprise of melted cheese in every bite takes traditional meatballs to the next level. Whether I’m serving them over pasta, stuffing them in a hoagie roll, or enjoying them solo, these meatballs always satisfy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese, grated
Egg
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a large bowl, I combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I mix it until just combined—careful not to overmix.
I take a scoop of the mixture, flatten it slightly in my hand, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and form the meat around it to seal completely.
Once all the meatballs are formed, I place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
I pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are well covered.
I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese inside is melty.
I serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16–20 meatballs, depending on size, and serves 4–6 people. Cook time in the slow cooker is approximately 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high. Prep time takes around 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For a spicy kick, I mix crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
Instead of mozzarella cubes, I’ve tried small bocconcini balls for extra cheesiness.
I occasionally add chopped spinach or grated zucchini to sneak in some veggies.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze the cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, I warm them gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare and stuff the meatballs a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and cook them the next day.

What type of mozzarella works best?

I like using low-moisture mozzarella cubes because they melt nicely without making the meatballs too watery.

Can I cook them on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely. I brown the meatballs in a skillet, add sauce, cover, and simmer on low for about 30 minutes.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure the meat completely seals the mozzarella and avoid overfilling. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15–20 minutes before cooking also helps.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

I enjoy them over spaghetti, in sub rolls as meatball sandwiches, or even on their own with a side of garlic bread and salad.

Conclusion

These slow cooker mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, I always find them a hit.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs