• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Slow Cooker Meals
  • Home
  • Slow Cooker
  • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Slow Cooker
  • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Slow Cooker
    • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dinner

    Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy

    May 17, 2023 by Ryan Allen Leave a Comment

    With juicy meatballs and a rich, savory gravy made right in the slow cooker, this recipe for Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy is not only effortless to make, but it's also packed with comforting flavor! Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, it'll become a family favorite in no time!

    Pin This Recipe For Later!

    Crock Pot meatballs and gravy over a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    With juicy meatballs and a rich, savory gravy made right in the slow cooker, this meal is the epitome of an easy crock pot meal. And the best part? You can serve it over a variety of starches, such as rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile dish that can be changed up every time.

    This crock pot comfort food is a must-make for many reasons. For starters, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to slowly cook together, creating a rich, comforting aroma that will fill your home and will make you hungry. With the addition of heavy cream, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and savory onion soup mix, each bite is a great balance of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

    Slow cooker meatballs and gravy is the ultimate weeknight meal. The convenience of the slow cooker means you can prep the ingredients in the morning and have a delicious, hearty meal waiting for you to serve over your favorite side dishes like Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole!

    A wooden spoon holding meatballs and gravy.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Slow cooked meatballs and gravy are the perfect combination of convenience and comfort.
    • With the ability to serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this versatile dish can be customized to your liking, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
    • The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich, savory gravy that perfectly complements the juicy meatballs.
    • With minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients, this easy crock pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without the fuss!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • Frozen Meatballs - This is the main protein of the dish and saves you the hassle of making meatballs from scratch. Using frozen meatballs also speeds up the preparation process.
    • Seasonings - Black pepper and dried thyme add a depth of flavor to the dish and complement the other ingredients.
    • Minced Garlic - A flavor enhancer that adds a pungent, slightly sweet taste to the dish. It pairs well with beef and other seasonings.
    • Dry Onion Soup Mix - Adds a savory onion flavor and also serves as a thickening agent for the gravy.
    • Beef Broth - Adds a rich, savory beef flavor and is the base for the gravy.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream - Provides richness and creaminess to the gravy, balancing out the savory and tangy flavors.
    • Ketchup - Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance out the acidity from the Worcestershire sauce.
    • Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a savory, umami flavor and complements the beef broth and garlic.
    • Cornstarch - Used as a thickening agent for the gravy, helping it to reach a smooth and velvety texture.

    How To Make Meatballs with Gravy In The Crock Pot

    Add meatballs: Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

    Assemble the gravy: Add salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Whisk together and pour over the frozen meatballs.

    Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

    Serve over side dishes: Ladle the meatballs and gravy over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

    Overhead look at meatball and gravy in a white slow cooker.

    Recipe Tips

    • Though optional, to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, coat the bottom with a thin layer of cooking spray or olive oil before adding them.
    • To ensure there are no lumps, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water before adding it to the slow cooker.
    • For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This will create a slightly caramelized exterior and enhance the dish's overall flavor.
    • The time it takes to cook through fully will depend on the size of your meatballs. Check for doneness by cutting one open with a knife.

    Variations

    • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.
    • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or a combination of chopped mushrooms and lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the gravy.
    • Add a hint of sweetness, and replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce or honey mustard.
    • For a tangy twist, swap out the Worcestershire sauce with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. This will add a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with the beef and garlic.
    • Top the meatballs and gravy with crispy fried onions or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives to add even more texture and flavor.
    Close up of meatballs over mashed potatoes with gravy on top.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: To store leftovers, transfer the meatballs and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken slightly upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to thin it out.

    Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to enjoy, thaw the meatballs and gravy in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

    FAQ

    What if I can't find onion soup mix or don't have any on hand?

    If you can't find onion soup mix, you can make your own by mixing together 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. This homemade onion soup mix will give the same savory flavor to the dish and works as a great substitute for the store-bought version.

    How do you keep meatballs from falling apart in a crock pot?

    To ensure your meatballs don't fall apart, you want to make sure you start with frozen meatballs as they will warm through slowly. You also want to make sure you are not overcooking the dish, as this can cause the meatballs to break apart easily.

    Hands holding a bowl of meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes.

    More Crock Pot Meatball Recipes

    • Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
    • Crock Pot Honey Garlic Meatballs
    • Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
    • Crock Pot Grape Jelly and Chili Meatballs

    SHARE IT & RATE IT

    I would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.

    Crock Pot meatballs and gravy over a bowl of mashed potatoes

    Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy

    With juicy meatballs and a rich, savory gravy made right in the slow cooker, this recipe for Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy is not only effortless to make, but it's also packed with comforting flavor! Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, it'll become a family favorite in no time!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 429 kcal

    Equipment

    • My Favorite Slow Cooker
    • Slow Cooker Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • 26 oz frozen meatballs
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp dried thyme
    • 3 tbsp garlic (garlic)
    • 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    • 3 tbsp ketchup
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 3 tbsp cornstarch

    Instructions
     

    • Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
    • Add salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Whisk together and pour over meatballs.
    • Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    • Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

    Notes

    • If the consistency of the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a mixture of cornstarch and water. Combine 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to make a slurry. Adjust the amount as necessary to achieve the desired thickness.
    • How  To Make Homemade Meatballs: In a large bowl, add all the ingredients listed below and divide into 38-40 meatballs. After making the meatballs, add them to a skillet over medium-high heat and brown them. You may have to do this is several batches.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 429kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 23gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 491mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 346IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

    *All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.

    Keyword Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Ryan. Welcome to Slow Cooker Meals. I have created tasty Crock-Pot meals that your family will love. New recipes are posted weekly to help you get out of that dinner rut.

    Popular Recipes Right Now!

    A wood spoon holding crock pot cheesy hash browns over a slow cooker.

    Crock Pot Cheesy Hash Browns

    Crock Pot chicken tortilla soup in a bowl with limes and sliced avocado on top and tortilla strips in the background.

    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Crock pot chicken alfredo in a white bowl with pieces of bread.

    Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo

    Close up of slow cooker ham with pineapple that is fully cooked.

    Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple & Brown Sugar

    Close up of ham and cheese sliders to show off the melted cheese in a Crock-Pot.

    Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Sliders

    Slow cooker cashew chicken over a bow of rice garnished with green onions.

    Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • FAQ
    • About Us

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Slow Cooker Meals is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

    Copyright © 2021 Slow Cooker Meals