Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe gentle hum of the slow cooker fills my kitchen, intertwining with the rich scent of savory meatballs and gravy. As I prepare my Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy, I’m reminded of cozy family gatherings where the kitchen was alive with laughter and warmth. This easy recipe not only brings that nostalgic vibe back, but it also lets you spend less time fussing over dinner and more time enjoying precious moments with loved ones. With its hearty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is sure to become a beloved comfort food in your home. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, every bite is a cozy hug that satisfies the soul. Curious to see how this timeless recipe can transform your weeknight meals? Let’s dive in! Why are Slow Cooker Meatballs a Game-Changer? Comforting dish: There’s something about slow-cooked meals that wraps you in warmth and familiarity, making them the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Effortless preparation: With minimal effort, you can whip up a hearty meal that impresses family and friends, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Versatile pairings: Serve these meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a filling feast. Looking to switch it up? Try them with homemade Hamburger Mac Cheese for a decadent twist! Rich, savory flavor: The delightful combination of beef, savory spices, and gravy creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this dish resonates with everyone and turns a simple meal into a heartwarming occasion. Indulge in the experience of creating delicious homemade meals that keep you and your family smiling! Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Ingredients For the Meatballs • Ground Beef – Provides protein and richness; for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken. • Plain Breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs; gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option. • Eggs – Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together; no substitutions recommended. • Parmesan Cheese – Adds flavor and depth; grated Pecorino cheese can be used for a sharper flavor. • Garlic Powder – Infuses savory flavor into the meatballs; fresh minced garlic can also be used for a fresher taste. • Onion Powder – Enhances the overall taste; fresh onion can be used, but it may alter the texture. • Salt – Essential for seasoning. • Pepper – Adds a hint of spiciness. For the Gravy • Canned Tomato Sauce – Forms the base of the gravy, offering acidity and moisture; homemade tomato sauce is a great alternative. • Low-Sodium Beef Broth – Provides richness and hydration; vegetable broth can be substituted for a lighter option. • Worcestershire Sauce – Introduces a tangy deep flavor that enhances the gravy. Get ready to dive into the comforting world of Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a meal that warms both body and soul! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully blended, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but hold together well, creating the perfect base for your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy. Step 2: Form the Meatballs With your hands, scoop out enough meat mixture to roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them to keep their shape. This step sets you up for deliciously tender meatballs that will soak up the gravy’s flavors. Step 3: (Optional) Brown the Meatballs To enhance the flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Carefully add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. This optional step adds a delightful crust and helps build a rich taste for your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy. Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker. Pour canned tomato sauce and low-sodium beef broth evenly over the meatballs, allowing them to nestle in the liquid. The sauce should cover the meatballs halfway, ensuring they absorb all that delicious gravy throughout the cooking process. Step 5: Add Worcestershire Sauce Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the top of the meatballs, enhancing their flavor profile with a tangy depth. Gently stir the mixture to ensure that all meatballs are well-coated in the gravy. This ensures every bite is packed with the savory goodness of the Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy. Step 6: Cook to Perfection Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and fork-tender when done. As the hours pass, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making the wait truly worth it! Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once cooked, carefully serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Spoon the luscious gravy generously on top, allowing the creamy texture to envelop the dish. Your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy is now ready to delight your family with heartwarming flavors! Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy • Browning Matters: Searing the meatballs before slow cooking can significantly enhance flavor and texture; don’t skip this step if you have time! • Consistent Sauce Coverage: Ensure all meatballs are evenly coated with sauce. This helps them cook uniformly and infuses every bite with delightful gravy flavor. • Watch Cooking Time: If using frozen meatballs, adjust your cooking time. They may need an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high for best results in your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy. • Stay Mindful of Seasoning: Remember to taste the gravy before serving. Adjust salt and pepper for your preferred flavor balance, catering to the tastes of your family. • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate your dish. Consider homemade tomato sauce for richer flavor and avoid overly processed components for a wholesome meal. What to Serve With Savory Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Transform your meal into a comforting feast that delights everyone at the table with these delicious pairings. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture perfectly absorbs the rich gravy, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that elevates each bite. Tender Garlic Bread: This crusty, buttery bread offers a delightful crunch, making it the perfect vehicle to soak up every drop of savory gravy. Steamed Broccoli: Providing a fresh and vibrant contrast, the slight crunch of broccoli brightens the dish while balancing the heartiness of the meatballs. Classic Pasta: Spaghetti or egg noodles create a wonderful base for the meatballs, allowing their flavors to mingle beautifully in every mouthful. Crisp Salad: A side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the gravy and meatballs. Savory Rice Pilaf: Fluffy, seasoned rice complements the meatballs brilliantly, providing an extra layer of comfort in every spoonful. Smooth Polenta: This creamy base offers a unique texture, pairing elegantly with the meatballs and gravy for a delightful twist on tradition. Choose your favorites to create the ultimate culinary experience! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the flavors and keep your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy fresh. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking! Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen meatballs to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in a pot or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Enjoy those comforting flavors again! Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Variations Feel free to customize your meatballs and gravy to create a comforting dish that’s uniquely yours! Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner take on the classic meatball, keeping the hearty essence intact. Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a burst of freshness that enhances the savoriness of your dish. Cheese Options: Replace Parmesan with grated Pecorino cheese for a sharper flavor profile that adds a delightful twist to the meatballs. Barbecue Sauce: Experiment by using barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce for a tangy, sweet twist that’s perfect on game day. Veggie-Loaded: Mix in finely chopped veggies like spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition without altering the taste. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for an extra punch that packs a flavorful surprise. Creamy Sauce: For a richer gravy, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving, creating a decadent, creamy finish. With these variations, your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy can become a new family favorite every time you make it! For additional easy weeknight meal ideas, check out my recipes for Shrimp Garlic Sauce or Baked Turkey Meatballs. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can mix the meatball ingredients and form the balls up to 24 hours in advance; just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them for up to 3 months. When that comforting craving strikes, simply thaw the meatballs overnight in the fridge before adding them to the slow cooker with the gravy ingredients. To finish, cook as directed, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious, homemade flavors just as if you’d made them fresh that day, making mealtime effortlessly satisfying! Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Recipe FAQs What type of ground meat works best for slow cooker meatballs? Absolutely! Ground beef is the traditional choice as it provides rich flavor and juiciness. However, for a leaner option, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken. Both alternatives maintain the dish’s hearty feel while offering a lighter taste. How should I store leftovers of slow cooker meatballs and gravy? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the meatballs cool before sealing them up. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures they’re ready to reheat whenever you’re craving that comforting meal! Can you freeze slow cooker meatballs and gravy? Yes! To freeze, place the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to label the container with the date for reference! How do I reheat frozen slow cooker meatballs and gravy? When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treat, simply transfer the container to the fridge 24 hours beforehand to thaw. When it’s time to heat, gently reheat the meatballs in a pot over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist and delicious! Are there any common pitfalls when making slow cooker meatballs? Very! One common mistake is not adequately browning the meatballs before slow cooking. This step enhances the flavor and gives them a lovely texture. If you skip it, your meatballs may miss that rich, savory depth. Also, ensure they’re evenly coated with sauce, as this enables them to cook uniformly and absorb all the delicious flavors! Melt-In-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy Delight Enjoy the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy, a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter version.1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used.1 large Eggs No substitutions recommended.1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated Pecorino cheese can be used for sharper flavor.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can also be used.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion can be used, but it may alter the texture.1 teaspoon Salt1/2 teaspoon PepperFor the Gravy1 can Canned Tomato Sauce Homemade tomato sauce is a great alternative.2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be substituted.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Equipment Slow CookerMixing bowlskilletbaking sheet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully blended.Scoop out enough meat mixture to roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet.Optional: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, and brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes until golden.Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth evenly over them.Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the top and stir gently to coat all meatballs in gravy.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon gravy over the top. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesSearing the meatballs before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture. Ensure even sauce coverage for uniform cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed for frozen meatballs. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
