Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes – Comfort Food Classic

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes is the ultimate cozy dinner made with tender homemade meatballs, rich garlic butter sauce, and soft baby potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes recipe delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or meal prep days when you want something satisfying and hands-off. Juicy ground beef meatballs simmer low and slow over halved baby potatoes, while melted butter and chicken broth create a savory garlic-infused sauce. If you’re searching for an easy slow cooker meatball recipe, a garlic butter dinner idea, or a one-pot comfort meal the whole family will love, this dish brings bold flavor, tender texture, and classic appeal to the table.

Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about meatballs slowly cooking in a buttery garlic sauce while potatoes soften underneath, absorbing all that savory goodness. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like it took far more effort than it actually did.

This recipe is ideal for days when you want dinner to cook itself. The meatballs are seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan for depth and richness. As they simmer, their juices blend with melted butter and chicken broth, creating a luscious sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully.

It’s the kind of meal that feels rustic and wholesome. Perfect for chilly evenings, casual gatherings, or feeding a hungry family, this dish stands out because it combines bold garlic flavor with fork-tender meatballs and perfectly soft potatoes — all made in one slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker convenience
• Juicy, flavorful homemade meatballs
• Garlic butter sauce that coats every bite
• Tender baby potatoes cooked in the same pot
• Hearty, family-friendly comfort meal
• Great for leftovers and reheating

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 500 per serving

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Large egg
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup Chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Function

Ground beef: Forms the base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and tenderness.

Breadcrumbs and egg: Bind the mixture and help maintain moisture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and subtle saltiness.

Garlic and Italian herbs: Build aromatic flavor throughout the meatballs and sauce.

Baby potatoes: Cook gently beneath the meatballs, soaking up the garlic butter.

Unsalted butter and chicken broth: Create a silky, savory sauce that ties the dish together.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place 1 pound halved baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Carefully arrange the meatballs on top of the potatoes in a single layer as much as possible.
5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Once fully melted, stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth and whisk until combined.
6. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the meatballs and potatoes in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Once cooked, gently stir to combine the meatballs and potatoes, allowing them to coat in the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground substitute while keeping the binding ingredients consistent.

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy-free butter and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Extra herbs: Add additional dried herbs as noted for deeper flavor.

Spice boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.

Flavor Profile

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes is rich, savory, and deeply aromatic. The garlic butter sauce delivers warmth and indulgence, while the Italian herbs add subtle earthiness. Parmesan enhances umami flavor within the meatballs.

The meatballs remain juicy and tender after slow cooking, while the potatoes become soft and infused with buttery garlic flavor. The final garnish of parsley brightens the dish with a fresh contrast.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (estimated):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: Approximately 28g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
• Fat: Approximately 30g
• Fiber: Approximately 3g

Contains dairy and gluten unless substitutions are made.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Form meatballs the night before and refrigerate.
• Store cooked portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, spooning extra sauce over the top.
• Add a splash of broth during reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I brown the meatballs first?
It’s optional, but not required for this recipe.

Will the potatoes cook fully?
Yes, as long as they are halved and cooked for the full time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, though potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a substitute.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	6 hours	6 hours 20 minutes	4

Serving Suggestions

Serve in shallow bowls with extra garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley generously for a pop of green. For a heartier presentation, serve directly from the slow cooker for rustic appeal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add extra garlic for bolder flavor.
2. Increase Parmesan slightly for richer meatballs.
3. Stir in additional herbs before serving.
4. Serve meatballs sliced over mashed potatoes using the same sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

Choose ground beef with moderate fat content for juicy meatballs. Too lean may result in dryness after slow cooking.

Baby Potatoes

Select firm, evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking. Store in a cool, dark place before use.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep texture tender.
• Arrange meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
• Keep the lid closed during cooking to retain moisture.
• Gently stir at the end to avoid breaking meatballs.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm slowly and spoon sauce over top to maintain moisture.
Potatoes may soften slightly after freezing.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	500
Protein	~28g
Carbs	~35g
Fat	~30g
Fiber	~3g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten unless substitutions are used.

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Meatballs with Potatoes brings together everything you want in a comforting dinner: tender meatballs, buttery garlic sauce, and soft, flavorful potatoes all cooked together effortlessly.

If you’re craving a hearty, home-style meal that practically cooks itself, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Save it, share it, and return to it whenever you need a simple yet deeply satisfying dinner that warms the table and fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma.

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