When you need a cozy, hearty dinner with minimal effort, this slow cooker meatballs and gravy recipe is an absolute winner.
Tender meatballs simmer in rich brown gravy with carrots and celery, all served over warm, fluffy mashed potatoes.
It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone around the table feel at home.
This is my go-to on busy days when I want a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that still feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
Set-it-and-forget-it – The slow cooker does all the work
Perfectly seasoned – Thanks to gravy and onion soup mixes
Great with store-bought shortcuts – Frozen meatballs and premade mashed potatoes
Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it
Feels homemade – With minimal prep and simple ingredients
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Frozen meatballs – No thawing needed, just toss them in
Baby carrots – Add sweetness and color
Celery – Balances the dish with a mild crunch
Brown gravy mix – Forms the rich, savory sauce
Onion soup mix – Adds deep flavor and seasoning
Butter – Makes the sauce extra velvety
Mashed potatoes – Use refrigerated or homemade for serving
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use cold water – Helps gravy mix dissolve smoothly
Stir halfway – Ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors
Slice butter thin – It melts and incorporates more evenly
Low and slow – Avoid high heat to prevent mushy vegetables
Serve hot – Over warm mashed potatoes for full comfort
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Step 1: Load the Crockpot
Place frozen meatballs, baby carrots, and chopped celery into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix and water until smooth.
Pour it over the meatballs and vegetables.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Butter
Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the top.
Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter them across the surface.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
Stir halfway through to mix everything together.
Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes
Right before serving, heat refrigerated mashed potatoes according to package directions (or make them from scratch if preferred).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon meatballs, vegetables, and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes and enjoy warm.
What to Serve It With
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
Steamed green beans or peas
A crisp garden salad
Apple sauce or cranberry chutney for a sweet contrast
A sprinkle of parsley or grated parmesan on top
Variations / Substitutions
Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version
Add mushrooms or pearl onions for more depth
Swap mashed potatoes for egg noodles or rice
Make it creamy – Stir in a bit of sour cream before serving
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon for extra richness
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze – Freeze leftovers (without potatoes) for up to 2 months
Reheat – Microwave or reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth
Make ahead – Prep the slow cooker ingredients the night before
Reuse – Leftovers make a great sandwich filling or baked potato topping
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I cook on high instead of low?
You can, but the meatballs may dry out and veggies could get mushy. Low is better.
Do I have to use both soup and gravy mix?
Using both adds layers of flavor, but you can reduce one if you prefer a lighter taste.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Try using plant-based meatballs and vegetable gravy mix—just check the labels.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
Refrigerated mashed potatoes save time, but homemade adds a personal touch.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely—try mushrooms, onions, or green beans.
How many people does this serve?
Typically 6–8, depending on serving size and sides.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker meatballs and gravy recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights.
It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor—and it makes your house smell amazing while it cooks.
Whether it’s a family dinner or comfort food for one, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Cozy & Savory Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 26 oz bag frozen meatballs
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 5 stalks celery chopped
- 2 packets brown gravy mix
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 24 oz container refrigerated mashed potatoes (or homemade)
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs, carrots, and celery in a slow cooker.
- Whisk brown gravy mix with water until smooth. Pour over meatballs and veggies.
- Sprinkle onion soup mix on top.
- Slice butter into pieces and distribute evenly over everything.
- Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Heat mashed potatoes just before serving.
- Spoon meatballs and gravy over potatoes and enjoy.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/slow-cooker-meatballs-and-gravy/
Notes
- You can swap in homemade meatballs if preferred—just brown them first.
- Fresh mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
