Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders

Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders — Indulge in succulent and rich meatballs complemented by a delectable homemade marinara sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection.

Serve these mouthwatering meatballs atop slider rolls, layer on some cheese, and broil for the ultimate meatball sliders. Whether as a hearty meal or appetizer, these sliders promise to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Serve with a simple old-fashioned pea salad, or Air Fryer Pasta Salad, Instant Pot Pasta Salad, or Instant Pot Macaroni Salad.

Why You Will Love Crockpot Sliders!

• Convenience: Crockpot sliders are incredibly convenient as they allow you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time while the slow cooker does the work, making them perfect for busy days or entertaining.
• Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking the sliders infuses the meat with rich flavors and ensures they turn out incredibly tender, resulting in mouthwatering sandwiches that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatility: With crockpot sliders, you have endless options for customization, whether you prefer classic flavors like BBQ or buffalo chicken, or want to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Crockpot sliders are ideal for feeding a crowd, making them great for parties, game days, or potlucks, as they can easily be kept warm in the slow cooker for guests to enjoy throughout the event.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make meatball sliders in crockpot.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Cranberry Sauce (Whole Berry): Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatball mixture, creating a unique twist on traditional sliders.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich and savory base for the meatballs, enhancing their flavor and ensuring they stay moist during slow cooking.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Infuses a hint of heat into the meatball mixture, adding a subtle kick to each bite.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor and aroma to the meatballs, complementing the other seasonings and ingredients.
• Creole Seasoning: Provides a blend of spices that adds complexity and a touch of Cajun-inspired flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Ground Beef or Venison: Serves as the main protein in the meatballs, contributing to their hearty texture and savory taste.
• Bread Crumbs: Act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatball mixture together and providing structure to the sliders.
• Italian Seasoning: Enhances the flavor profile of the meatballs with a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding a Mediterranean flair.
• Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together, ensuring it holds its shape during slow cooking and preventing it from crumbling.
• Dry Onion & Mushroom Soup Mix: Adds depth of flavor and savory umami notes to the meatball mixture, enhancing its overall taste.
• Hawaiian Bread Slider Rolls: Serve as the perfect vessel for holding the meatballs and sauce, offering a soft and slightly sweet base for the sliders.
• Arugula: Adds a peppery and fresh contrast to the sliders, balancing out their richness with a hint of bitterness.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, providing a creamy and slightly tangy element to the sliders, while also holding them together within the rolls.

How To Make Meatball Sliders In Crockpot

To make meatball sliders for a crowd in a crockpot:

Mix the Tomato Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder, and Creole Seasoning in the crockpot. Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 2 Hours.

Mix the ground meat, bread crumbs, Italian Seasoning, egg, soup mix, and shape into 2” Meatballs.

Layer on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate while the sauce cooks.

When the sauce has finished its initial cooking stage, take the meatballs out and cook in a tbsp of cooking oil to brown.

Then add to the crockpot in the sauce, make sure they’re all coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 hours on Low, 1 hour on high. Serve on the slider rolls with provolone cheese and arugula.

Recipe Variations For SlowCooker Meatball Sliders

Here are some delicious recipe variations for slow cooker meatball sliders:

• Spicy BBQ Meatball Sliders: Add some heat to your sliders by mixing spicy barbecue sauce into the meatball mixture before cooking. Top the cooked meatballs with additional barbecue sauce and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Teriyaki Meatball Sliders: Create an Asian-inspired twist by using teriyaki sauce in place of the marinara sauce. Garnish the sliders with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sliders: Swap out the ground beef or venison for ground chicken and mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles to create buffalo chicken meatballs. Serve on slider rolls with a drizzle of ranch dressing and chopped celery for a buffalo wing-inspired treat.
• Mediterranean Meatball Sliders: Infuse your sliders with Mediterranean flavors by seasoning the meatball mixture with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Serve the cooked meatballs on slider rolls with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and sliced cucumbers.
• Frozen Meatballs And Marinara in Crockpot: Use frozen meatballs.
• Vegetarian Meatball Sliders: For a meatless option, use vegetarian meatballs made from ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas. Cook the vegetarian meatballs in marinara sauce and serve on slider rolls with melted cheese and fresh basil.

Pro Tips Meatball Subs In Crock Pot

• Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or venison to keep the meatballs from becoming too greasy as they cook in the slow cooker.
• Precook the Meatballs: For a firmer texture, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can enhance flavor and prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
• Add Flavorful Seasonings: Don’t skimp on seasonings! Use a combination of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to infuse the meatballs with flavor.
• Choose Quality Sauce: Select a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own homemade sauce for the best flavor. The sauce will simmer with the meatballs in the slow cooker, so it’s essential to choose one that complements the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there is enough space between the meatballs in the slow cooker to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked meatballs.
• Add Cheese at the End: If you’re using cheese in your sliders, wait until the meatballs are fully cooked before adding the cheese on top. This will prevent the cheese from burning or becoming too gooey during the cooking process.
• Serve with Fresh Toppings: Elevate your sliders with fresh toppings like arugula, sliced tomatoes, onions, or pickles. These add-ons can provide texture and freshness to the dish.
• Toast the Rolls: Before assembling the sliders, lightly toast the slider rolls in the oven or on a skillet. Toasting the rolls adds a crispy texture and prevents them from becoming soggy when topped with sauce and meatballs.

Faq’s Crockpot Meatball Sliders

Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs? Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese? Absolutely! While provolone cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss for variation.

How Do I Prevent the Rolls from Getting Soggy? To prevent the rolls from getting soggy, you can lightly toast them before assembling the sliders. Additionally, you can place a slice of cheese between the meatball and the bread to create a barrier.

Can I Double the Recipe for a Crowd? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. Just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased quantity.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time for a Party? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the slow cooker and assemble the sliders.

Can I Freeze Leftover Meatball Sliders? Yes, you can freeze leftover meatball sliders for future use. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven when needed.

What Side Dishes Go Well with Meatball Sliders? Meatball sliders pair well with a variety of sides such as fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with chips and dip for a casual party snack.

More Easy Crockpot Recipes

• Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili
• Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Slow Cooker Turkey White Bean Chili
• Slow-Cooker Cajun Jambalaya Recipe

Don’t Forget To Pin Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders!