Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting flavor of Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy on a busy day.
Made with frozen meatballs, beef broth, and a blend of savory seasonings, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a rich and hearty meal that fills your home with warmth.
Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this easy-to-prepare meal brings delicious, tender bites of flavor to the table with minimal effort.
Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy Recipe Highlights
- Easy Prep Work – Just combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do rest.
- Great for Busy Days – An easy meal that fits perfectly into a hectic schedule.
- Family-Friendly – Classic flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Store and reheat with ease for a quick next-day meal.
- Add mushrooms or swap ingredients to make it your own.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
BROTH – This recipe uses beef broth as the main liquid, bringing a rich, savory flavor to the gravy. For more control over saltiness, low-sodium beef broth is a good choice since the onion soup mix adds extra seasoning.
BROWN GRAVY MIX – Brings that classic, familiar gravy flavor, while helping thicken the sauce for a smooth, rich texture. Any store-bought mix works well, so pick your favorite.
LIPTON ONION SOUP MIX – Adds a punch of onion flavor that perfectly complements the beef broth. This blend brings in a bit of extra seasoning, so you may want to wait until the end to adjust the salt.
KETCHUP – Offers a bit of tang that balances out the richness of the broth and gravy mix, creating a more rounded flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
GARLIC POWDER – Adds a hint of garlic that deepens the savory taste of the gravy. Garlic powder is easy to incorporate and won’t compete with the onion mix.
ONION – Freshly chopped onion cooks with the meatballs, adding extra texture and flavor. Go for a small onion, finely chopped, to blend seamlessly into the dish.
MEATBALLS – The star of the dish, bringing a hearty, satisfying bite without the work of making meatballs from scratch. Use fully cooked, high-quality frozen meatballs for best results.
CORNSTARCH – This essential thickening agent gives the gravy a smooth, clingy texture, helping it coat each meatball evenly. Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end lets you control the consistency.
How To Make Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Place frozen meatballs and onion in the slow cooker, and pour the gravy mixture over them.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 5-6 hours.
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry, then cook 15 more minutes to thicken the gravy.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep any Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
FREEZE – Store in a freezer-safe container for longer preservation, up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
REHEAT – For the best texture and flavor, reheat in the microwave until fully warmed through, or use the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
MAKE AHEAD – Prepare the gravy mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. On cooking day, simply add it to the slow cooker with the meatballs, then let everything cook as directed.
Serving Suggestions
MASHED POTATOES – A classic, creamy pairing that soaks up all the rich gravy, making every bite extra satisfying.
EGG NOODLES – Soft, tender noodles that complement the dish’s savory sauce and add a cozy, hearty feel to the meal.
RICE – A fluffy base that absorbs the gravy perfectly, giving a lighter, yet equally satisfying, option.
GREEN BEANS – A fresh, vibrant side that adds both color and a nice crisp texture alongside the tender meatballs.
More Easy and Delicious Beef Crockpot Recipes
Recipe Success Tips
ADJUST SEASONING – Before serving, give the gravy a quick taste. The onion soup mix and beef broth add salt, so you might not need much, but a dash of salt or pepper can really round out the flavors if needed.
THICKENING GRAVY – Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking. Add it in small amounts while stirring to control the thickness without over-thickening. If you like a thicker gravy, add a little extra cornstarch mixed with water.
ADD MUSHROOMS – For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced mushrooms along with the meatballs and onions. They’ll cook down to a tender texture, enhancing the savory gravy and making the dish heartier.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I include mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, mushrooms would make a delicious addition, enhancing the savory flavors of the gravy. The cooking time remains unchanged, so go ahead and add them with the meatballs and onions.
What side dishes go well with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and can be served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, depending on your preference.
Can I make homemade meatballs?
Yes, you can do that. Just form together your meatballs and brown them in a pan. They don’t need to be cooked through, but need to be cooked a bit so they will hold together in the slow cooker. Add them to the slow cooker and cook for a few hours until cooked through.
More Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy
Ingredients
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 package brown gravy mix
- 1 package Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion chopped
- 24 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl or a large measuring cup. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated.
- Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, followed by the chopped onion.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs and onions, making sure everything is covered evenly.
- Set the slow cooker to for 5 to 6 hours. Allow the meatballs to cook until they are fully heated through and tender.
- Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the meatballs hot and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
SLOW COOKER TIMES
ON HIGH: 3 hours + 15 minutes to thicken the gravyON LOW: 5 – 6 hours + 15 minutes to thicken the gravy
*Slow Cooker times may vary.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
Will the cooking time remain the same if I make the meatballs from scratch?
If you’re making the meatballs from scratch, the cooking time can stay the same, but you’ll want to make sure they’re firm enough to hold up in the slow cooker. Use a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, and chill them before adding to the Crockpot. They won’t fall apart if they’re well-formed, but this method is definitely gentler with frozen meatballs. It’s doable, just not quite as carefree.
Absolutely delicious!! True comfort food. With mashed potatoes? Nothing finer! Thanks for posting! Will be making again!