Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy are tender, savory meatballs simmered low and slow in a creamy French onion gravy with hints of garlic, Worcestershire, and sweet caramelized onion. It’s a hearty, homemade-tasting dinner that requires very little hands-on effort — ideal for busy weeknights. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
What Makes This Recipe Work
The gravy gets its depth from condensed French onion soup combined with beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Heavy cream stirred in at the end makes it rich and silky. Thinly sliced onions melt into the sauce as everything cooks, adding sweetness without any extra steps.
Frozen meatballs are a perfectly valid shortcut here — they go straight in from frozen and hold up well over a long cook. If you prefer homemade meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey), brown them briefly in a skillet first so they keep their shape and add extra flavor to the gravy.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen or homemade meatballs (24 oz)
- Condensed French onion soup — use it straight from the can, no added water
- Beef broth — low-sodium recommended, as the soup and meatballs can already be salty
- Heavy cream — for a rich, silky gravy; half-and-half works as a lighter substitute
- Worcestershire sauce — adds savory depth; soy sauce can substitute in a pinch, used sparingly
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Cornstarch — whisked with cold water to thicken the gravy cleanly
Tips
- Whisk cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps in the finished gravy.
- For deeper flavor, stir in sautéed mushrooms or an extra splash of Worcestershire near the end of cooking.
- A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe.
Storage
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the gravy has thickened.
Serves: 4 | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 4 hours 15 minutes | Total: 4 hours 30 minutes