Crock-Pot Meatballs In Gravy
Creamy meatballs cooked slowly in gravy offer comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining savory meats with rich, hearty sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly all ingredients except gravy.
- Shape into meatballs and brown in a skillet or on a broiler rack in a 400°F oven.
- Prepare gravy in the crock-pot.
- Add meatballs to the gravy.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped onions to the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground veal with more beef or pork if needed, and the Parmesan cheese can be replaced with any hard cheese you have on hand. Ensure the meatballs are browned well for a deeper flavor before adding them to the gravy. This recipe can be paired with other comforting American recipes like Outrageously Simple Beef Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread to mop up the gravy. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with other hearty options like Country Style Hearty Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Meatballs In Gravy contains roughly 641 calories, with 45g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Just add them to the gravy in the crock-pot and adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, typically around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
What type of gravy works best for this recipe?
A simple brown gravy works best for this recipe, but you can also use mushroom gravy for an extra depth of flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, a homemade chicken gravy can be a delicious alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the crock-pot when ready to cook. This will enhance the flavors and make for an easy weeknight dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).