Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy

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!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy
• Instructions 
• FAQ's
• Test kitchen tips
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with

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.

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

1. Coat the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place frozen meatballs and sliced onion into the slow cooker.
3. Combine French onion soup and beef broth in a large bowl. Sprinkle in the two gravy packets and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the gravy/onion soup mixture over the meatballs and stir.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours.
6. Add the heavy cream, stir, and replace lid. Cook for 30 minutes more.
7. Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles, and enjoy your delicious slow cooker meatballs and gravy!

FAQ's

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.

Storage

Refrigerate—Spoon extra crockpot meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezer—You can store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. However, I don't recommend this method, as creamy sauces tend to have an off texture after thawing.

Reheat—Warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to the gravy to meet your personal preference. Alternatively, reheat this meatball recipe in a large skillet over low heat until it's steaming hot again.

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.

• Packed with flavor and so juicy, Skillet Turkey Meatballs are baked rather than fried, so dinner is super easy to toss together last minute.
• French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak comes together with just three main ingredients. It's hearty, beefy deliciousness that everyone loves to eat.
• Another easy dinner hack is cooking frozen burgers in the oven. No need to fire up the grill and it's an easy weeknight meal!
• If you're not in the mood for meatballs, try Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. Creamy, flavorful, comforting goodness with only a few minutes of prep.

Serve with

• Roasted Green Beans and Carrots taste awesome with creamy crock pot meatballs and gravy. Plus, they're so easy to make!
• Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes or Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes taste fabulous underneath a heaping spoonful of meatballs. Yum!
• Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough burst with homemade flavor and texture but require none of the effort.

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.