Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs are the ultimate shortcut to a classic French-inspired dish that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. Why spend hours on a traditional coq au vin when your slow cooker can do the heavy lifting? This recipe marries tender, juicy homemade turkey meatballs with a rich wine sauce, all simmered to perfection. It’s a time-saving dinner perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday meal.

I stumbled upon this method when I craved the deep flavors of coq au vin but couldn’t justify the hours of babysitting a pot. Instead, I turned to the slow cooker, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. Minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and a deeply satisfying result. Trust me, this is one of those recipes where you’ll feel like you’ve mastered cooking magic.

Why This Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs Is a Game-Changer

• Traditional coq au vin can take upwards of 4-6 hours; this version has just 20 minutes of prep and 4 hours in the slow cooker.
• Hands-off cooking lets you enjoy your day instead of being tied to the stove. Set it and forget it!
• The combination of a slow cooker followed by a broiler crisp-up ensures both tender and perfectly textured meatballs.
• The rich wine sauce—with layers of flavor from garlic, bacon, and fresh herbs—feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
• One pot means fewer dishes. Yes, please.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

The beauty of this recipe lies in the tools it uses to maximize ease and efficiency:

• Slow cooker: A standard 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly. If your model has a sauté function, use it to cook the bacon for a bit more flavor.
• Baking sheet: For broiling the meatballs at the end to get that irresistible golden crispness.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need one to combine the meatball ingredients. Go for a large one to make it easier to work with.

If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, I recommend looking for one with multiple settings (low, high, stay warm) and a timer for maximum convenience.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

This recipe keeps the ingredient list simple but packs a punch in flavor:

• Ground turkey or chicken: Both work great here. Turkey is my go-to because it’s lean and still holds moisture well.
• Fresh herbs: Sage and thyme bring a fragrant, earthy flavor that works beautifully in the sauce.
• Wine broth base: Beef and chicken broth combine with tomato paste and veggies to create a rich, comforting sauce.
• Cremini mushrooms: These add a meaty, umami depth. Pre-sliced mushrooms can cut down on prep time.

If you’re tight on time, grab pre-chopped veggies or frozen garlic to shave a few minutes off your prep.

Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs Recipe Details

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

Complete Ingredients List

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey or chicken
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
• 2 slices thick-cut beef bacon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 head garlic, top trimmed off to reveal the cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, 3/4 cup parmesan, sage, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Form into tablespoon-sized meatballs (about 16-18).
2. Arrange the meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour in the beef and chicken broth, followed by the tomato paste. Add the carrots, mushrooms, and beef bacon. Season again if needed.
3. Tuck the onion, garlic head (cut side up), bay leaves, and thyme sprigs around the meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours (or high for 1-2 hours).
4. Preheat your broiler to high. Carefully transfer the meatballs and garlic to a baking sheet, discarding the bacon and bay leaves.
5. Turn your slow cooker to high and leave the sauce uncovered to reduce for 10-30 minutes while you finish the meatballs.
6. Sprinkle the meatballs with the remaining parmesan and arrange butter pats around them. Broil for 1-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Peel the roasted garlic cloves and smash them into the butter. Toss the meatballs in this buttery sauce.
8. Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread, topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

• Mix your meatball ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make them dense.
• Use wax paper or damp hands when rolling the meatballs to keep things neat and sticky-free.
• If you’re pressed for time, skip the broiling and serve straight from the slow cooker.
• The sauce freezes beautifully. Make extra and stash it for an easy meal later.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Easy Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs Variations

• Add veggies: Zucchini or baby potatoes make a great addition for a one-pot meal.
• Dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and olive oil instead of butter.

Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs FAQs

Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can roll and refrigerate the meatballs up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs?

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or in the microwave in short intervals.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly here. Just keep in mind it might add a little more fat to the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you like a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I skip the broiling step?

Yes, though broiling adds a great texture, the meatballs are perfectly tender straight from the slow cooker.

If you try these Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs, let me know your favorite shortcuts or side dishes in the comments!