Slow Cooker Cheesy Meatball Casserole

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Slow cooker cheesy meatball casserole is a decadent but easy dinner idea. Meatballs cooked together with tons of cheese, sauce and, fresh kale. A perfect keto meal!

A square bowl filled with meatballs and melted cheese with basil

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner recipe that will satisfy the whole family? If you are out of ideas, this casserole dish is just what you need. It is a simple recipe involving minimal prep that will earn you rave reviews.

This keto meatball casserole is picky-eater friendly and just plain delicious. Even though the prep work is minimal, it is delicious enough to serve any day of the week. It is a wonderful entree but also a great appetizer.

📝Shopping list

To make this easy recipe you will need:

Marinara sauce - homemade and jarred sauce both work well
Meatballs - Beef, turkey,chicken or pork meatballs would all be delicious . Frozen meatballs are easiest. If you are looking to keep it keto friendly, be sure to purchase keto friendly meatballs.
Fresh mozzarella - you will need small pieces so you can either cut them or buy mozzarella pearls.
Fresh ricotta cheese
Garlic - minced
Italian Seasoning
Salt & black pepper
Kale (optional)
Shredded mozzarella

jump to recipe card for full ingredients list with quantities.

🥣Assembly instructions

In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Ricotta cheese with spices in a metal mixing bowl

Next, spread a thin layer of sauce around the bottom of your slow cooker. Add a layer of kale on top of the sauce. Place meatballs into the slow cooker next in their own layer and add some mozzarella pearls in between them. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top.

Half of slow cooker shows meatball layer other half slowing kale layer

Add one more of each layer: sauce, kale, meatballs, and mozzarella pearls, and ricotta mixture.

A layer of ricotta mixture spread on top of meatballs

Top with a final layer of sauce. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. 20 minutes or so prior to serving, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Place the cover back on slow cooker for about 20 minutes to allow topping to melt.

Cheesy meatballs in slow cooker with melted top layer of cheese

🍽Serving suggestions

This easy casserole recipe could really be a complete meal on its own and it will quickly become a family favorite! However, some great side dishes include:

garlic bread

green beans

side salad

cauliflower rice

mashed cauliflower

steamed fresh vegetables

and zucchini and squash parmesan

Finished meatball casserole in casserole crockpot

Grated parmesan cheese and grated romano cheese are great toppings as is fresh chopped basil. If you are not focused on making your meal low carb, pasta would be a great side dish. Alternatively, these cooked meatballs are delicious served in a sub roll.

Using a big bag of smaller meatballs, this dish effortlessly becomes an easy holiday party appetizer or tailgate party dish

Storing leftovers

Leftovers of this delicious meatball recipe can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers or bags. This will give you an easy dinner option for 3-5 more days. This dish also freezes well and will last for up 5 months. It reheats well in the microwave for future easy dinners. I like to melt extra cheese on top when reheating to freshen things up.

Cheesy meatball casserole in a square bowl

❓Hints & hacks

If you would rather make this cheesy meatball casserole with homemade meatballs, go for it! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them in to your slow cooker.
This simple dinner is picky eater friendly. It is a great one to make on busy weeknights.
Not a fan of kale? It can be omitted.
I you would like to confirm that your meatballs are ready, use a meat thermometor. Re-heated meatballs are considered ready-to-serve with they reach an internal temperature of 140ºF
For easier clean up I use a slow cooker liner.
In the market for a new crock pot? I love mine! The built in thermometer is especially helpful with this recipe.

Top view of a slow cooker filled with cooked marinara sauce

❓Most asked question

Can you overcook meatballs in a slow cooker?

Technically, yes. You can overcook meatballs. Overcooked meatballs can either become tough or they can become mushy and fall apart. However, you can keep these keto slow cooker meatballs in your crockpot for up to 24 hours on the warm setting.