Crock pot meatballs and gravy delivers all the comfort you could want on busy weeknights. Simmered to perfection in a savory, rich brown gravy, these tender meatballs are a great way to feed the whole family-fast.
Plus, the best part is that this flavorful dish only takes a minute of prep time. Now, that's what I call a truly easy dinner recipe and a great appetizer idea, too!
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Why you'll love this recipe
Crock pot meatballs and gravy is a family favorite that even picky eaters enjoy. You can serve it over egg noodles, potatoes, or rice! You only need six simple ingredients, so grocery shopping and prep are pretty much effortless.
This creamy gravy recipe cooks the easy way-in the slow cooker with the meatballs! So, you don't have to fuss with a roux or any extra steps.
YouTube Video
Audio; listen in
Want to hear the story behind this recipe and get the scoop on why it's one of my favorite "throw-it-in-and-go" dinners? Press play! I'm sharing a short audio clip with the backstory, some fun kitchen confessions (yes, I do sneak a meatball or two), and a quick walk-through of how easy this slow cooker meal really is.
Ingredients
Refer to the recipe card below for the exact measurements for this crockpot recipe.
Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 26 ounce bag frozen meatballs I used FarmRich Homestyle meatballs with beef and pork.
- 10.5 ounce can French onion soup
- 14.5 ounce can beef broth
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 2 .87 ounce packages brown gravy mix
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Spritz the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Top with the sliced onions.
- Add the French onion soup and beef broth in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the two gravy packets and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs and onions. Using a large spoon, mix until combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours. Add the ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir and replace lid. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles, enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, refer to the recipe card.
FAQ's
Nope! Add them in frozen, and at the end of the cooking time, you'll have flavorful, juicy meatballs and delicious gravy.
No, I recommend using fully cooked meatballs. Most frozen meatballs are pre-cooked but check the package carefully to be sure.
Sure! You can make this into a true "dump-and-go" crock pot meatballs recipe by adding all the ingredients (except the heavy cream) to a freezer bag. Label and store it until you're ready to cook!
Yep. Crockpot Swedish meatballs are generally smaller than traditional meatballs and, instead of an Italian-style red sauce, are cooked in a creamy brown gravy.
However, instead of nutmeg and allspice, this recipe has a more savory onion flavor. It's the ultimate comfort food!
Test kitchen tips
- Add the heavy cream just for the last thirty minutes. It can curdle if you let it cook for the whole six hours-that's slow cooking 101!
- Don't try to cook the noodles in the crockpot with the meatballs and gravy. Some recipes are designed for that, but this one isn't.
- The onion will soften as the gravy cooks. Cut it into thicker pieces if you like the texture of onions, or slice them thinner to make 'em really soft.
- Like most slow cooker meals, crock pot meatballs and gravy keeps really well on the warm setting. It's great if you can't get home to dinner right away and also awesome for serving as an appetizer at parties.
Related recipes
If you're into cozy comfort food (and I know you are if you're here for meatballs and gravy), be sure to check out my Crockpot French Onion Meatballs too. They've got that slow-simmered, caramelized onion flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl.
If it's party time, the make the classic Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs. Made in the crockpot as well, they are so easy and always tasty!
Packed with flavor and so juicy, Skillet Turkey Meatballs are baked rather than fried, so dinner is super easy to toss together last minute.
Side dishes for meatballs and gravy
Roasted green beans and carrots taste amazing alongside creamy crock pot meatballs and gravy, and the best part is they're so easy to make!
For a hearty addition, try serving those meatballs over Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes-both are guaranteed to soak up every drop of that savory sauce. And don't forget the bread! Rolls made from frozen dough deliver homemade flavor and texture without all the extra work.
Wrapping it up
There's just something about a slow-cooked meal that makes everything feel a little easier-and a lot more comforting. These Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy are the kind of recipe you'll want to keep on standby for busy days, chilly evenings, or anytime you're craving something warm and satisfying.
If you give them a try, I'd love to hear how it goes! Leave a comment, share it with a friend, or come back and check out more of my easy, stick-to-your-ribs dinners.
Nancy says
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of the cream
Debra Clark says
Here's my thoughts. I haven't used that as a substitute, Cream of chicken soup will change the flavor and texture a bit — it’s thicker and saltier than heavy cream — but yes, you can use it if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll make the gravy a little richer and more savory, kind of like a shortcut comfort food twist. It will also increase the sodium content. Stir the soup at the beginning when you mix the other gravy ingredients. If the gravy is thicker than you want when it's dome cooking, add a splash of milk or additional beef broth. Let me know how it turns out for you Nancy!
Steph Allen says
What about coming on high for 3 hours?
Debra Clark says
Yes I believe that work, 3 hours on high and then stir in the heavy cream for another 30 minutes. I haven't tested that, but it should be enough time Steph.
Lisa says
You can also mix 2 cans of French Onion Soup and 2 cans cream of mushroom soup together and pour over meatballs (I also do this with lean stew meat or round steak cut into pieces- makes great gravy! 😉
Debra Clark says
Lisa, that is a great variation! Yum, yum, yum - I can't wait to give that a try. Thanks for sharing!!
Arianna says
Making these now and accidentally put the heavy cream in right away. Hopefully it turns out. 😅
Debra Clark says
Oh no, well it's not the worst thing Arianna! A couple of things could happen... it may just thicken slightly, so yay if that's the case. The cream could seperate and get watery or curdle slightly. Now there's nothing wrong with it (it doesn't spoil it or anything) or change the flavor, but it just may not be as appetizing. As the texture may turn a little grainy. Swing back and let me know how it turns out for you!
Mike says
I will try this at my Super Bowl party this year.Debra can I add mushrooms?
Debra Clark says
Mushrooms would be a great addition to this recipe Mike - you could use canned mushrooms (drained) or even fresh mushrooms. Either would be delicious! Enjoy!
Lois says
An easy meal and very tasty. Everyone will enjoy it. Love meals like this. Win. Win.