Name: Crockpot Mini Meatball Subs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ cup grated Parmesan; ½ cup milk; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 16 mini sub rolls or slider buns; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 2 large eggs; 2 lbs ground beef (80/20); 2 tsp garlic powder; 4 cups marinara sauce; Optional: fresh basil

Enjoy Crockpot Mini Meatball Subs, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in tangy marinara sauce until tender, then piled into soft rolls with melty cheese. This fun, kid-approved slow-cooker meal is perfect for game days or easy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Mini Meatball Subs are a total win for busy families—bite-sized meatballs cook low and slow in a simple marinara until they’re tender and flavorful, then get tucked into soft rolls with gooey cheese for handheld sandwiches kids go wild for. It’s incredibly easy (most work is just mixing and rolling), uses pantry staples, and turns inexpensive ground beef into something that feels like a treat. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, filling your house with amazing Italian aromas. Customizable, mess-friendly, and perfect for picky eaters—this recipe makes dinner fun again.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make Uniform Meatballs → Use a small cookie scoop for even cooking.
Brown First (optional) → Adds flavor and helps hold shape.
Use Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs → Boosts flavor without extra herbs.
Don’t Overmix Meat → Keeps meatballs tender.
Add Cheese Last → Prevents stringy mess; melts perfectly.
Broil Subs → 2–3 minutes for golden, bubbly cheese.

Yield: 8 Servings

Crockpot Mini Meatball Subs

Tender mini meatballs in marinara, piled into cheesy subs—ultimate kid-friendly crockpot dinner.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup grated Parmesan
½ cup milk
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
16 mini sub rolls or slider buns
2 cups shredded mozzarella
2 large eggs
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
2 tsp garlic powder
4 cups marinara sauce
Optional: fresh basil

Instructions

Mix Meatballs → Combine beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper.
Form Mini Balls → Use small scoop to make 1-inch meatballs.
Brown (optional) → Brown in skillet for extra flavor.
Layer Crockpot → Pour 1 cup marinara in bottom.
Add Meatballs → Place meatballs in single layer.
Cover with Sauce → Pour remaining marinara over top.
Slow Cook → Low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
Check Tenderness → Meatballs should be cooked through and sauce thickened.
Add Cheese → Last 30 min, sprinkle mozzarella over meatballs.
Serve Fun → Toast buns, pile with meatballs and sauce, and watch kids devour!

Notes

Small meatballs cook evenly and fit perfectly in buns.
Browning is optional but adds great flavor.
Leftovers make amazing meatball subs or pizza topping.
Serve with carrot sticks or fruit for balanced kid meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 951Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 19gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 208mgSodium 2364mgCarbohydrates 69gFiber 7gSugar 14gProtein 66g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.