Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast

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When your day is packed but you still crave something hearty and homemade, this Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast delivers big comfort with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that simmers into rich, savory perfection while you go about your day, filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma that promises something special for dinner.

This recipe cleverly swaps traditional chuck roast with frozen meatballs, making it a game-changer for busy nights. With tender vegetables and a velvety gravy, this pot roast doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for leftovers, it’s the easiest way to serve up a Sunday-worthy meal without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast

This recipe is pure magic for weeknights. It transforms simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a deeply flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day. The frozen meatballs soak up all the delicious juices while the vegetables become irresistibly tender. Best of all, you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker or pressure cooker, making dinner almost effortless.

Can I Use Any Kind of Frozen Meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite store-bought beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the pot. If they’re homemade and frozen, those will work perfectly too. The goal is to let them absorb the flavors from the rich broth and veggies while holding their shape through the cooking process.

Ingredients for the Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast

This comforting pot roast uses simple ingredients that come together to create a warm, filling meal. Here’s what you’ll need to make it perfect:

Frozen Meatballs: These are the star of the show. Pre-cooked meatballs make this recipe incredibly easy and satisfying.

Carrots: Sweet and earthy, they soften beautifully and add a nice balance to the savory sauce.

Potatoes: Baby potatoes or chopped russets work great to soak up the broth and add heartiness.

Onion: Yellow or white onions lend deep flavor as they caramelize into the sauce.

Garlic: A few cloves bring warmth and depth to the dish.

Beef Broth: This creates the savory base and ties everything together.

Tomato Paste: It adds umami richness and helps thicken the sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash boosts the flavor with a tangy, salty kick.

Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs like oregano and basil add a touch of comfort.

Cornstarch Slurry: Optional, but helps thicken the gravy to your liking.

How To Make the Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by layering sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot. These form the base that supports the meatballs and soaks up all the flavor.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs on top of the vegetables. They don’t need to be thawed, just evenly spaced so they cook through without getting soggy.

Step 3: Pour in the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and veggies, coating everything well.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes with a natural release.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

To thicken the sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes of cooking (for slow cooker) or turn on saute mode after pressure cooking in the Instant Pot.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle generous portions into bowls or over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a comforting, complete meal.

How to Serve and Store This Meatball Pot Roast

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it straight from the slow cooker for cozy weeknights or ladle it into a serving dish for Sunday dinner. It feeds about 4 to 6 people depending on portion size and sides, making it ideal for family-style meals.

To store leftovers, cool the pot roast completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What to Serve With Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soak up all the savory gravy beautifully.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles tossed in butter make a simple and satisfying side.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Roasted Green Beans

A crisp vegetable side adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.

Side Salad

A bright green salad with vinaigrette can balance the meal with some acidity.

Steamed Rice

White or brown rice makes a hearty base for serving the pot roast.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their umami flavor complements the meatballs and sauce beautifully.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet and fluffy, it brings Southern comfort to the table.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast, you might also enjoy these warm, comforting meals on Luna Meals:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak if you’re craving rich flavors with your meat.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a hearty spin on Italian comfort.
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup to warm your soul on chilly nights.
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet if you’re looking for a low-effort, one-pan meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use beef meatballs or try a plant-based version? Did you go for mashed potatoes or something else?

I love hearing how you all make these dishes your own. Don’t be shy about asking questions either — let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics and easy dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to meal!

Conclusion

This Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without spending hours cooking. With just a few ingredients and some hands-off time, you get all the cozy flavors of a traditional pot roast in a totally doable weeknight format. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fifth, this recipe is a keeper you’ll turn to again and again.

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