This Meatballs and Gravy recipe is what comfort food dreams are made of. The tender beef meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich, savoury onion gravy until everything is super flavourful and just begging to be spooned over mashed potatoes. It’s really uncomplicated dinner that the whole family is going to be requesting over and over again.

Most of the work for this crockpot meatballs and gravy recipe happens up front, and then the crockpot takes over. A quick sear for flavour, a little patience, and you’re rewarded with meatballs that stay juicy and gravy that’s thick, glossy, and full of depth. Spoon them over my Creamy Mashed Potatoes and you’ve got the most nostalgic dinner ready to go.

😍 Why You’ll Love This Meatballs and Gravy

Classic comfort food done right: tender beef meatballs simmer slowly in a rich, savoury onion gravy that feels familiar.
Minimal effort: a quick sear builds flavour, then the crockpot does all the work while you go about your day.
Well-rounded flavour: caramelized onions, herbs, and a simple roux create a gravy that’s thick, glossy, and full of depth.
Perfect for cozy nights: it’s hearty, freezer-friendly, and made to be spooned over mashed potatoes, noodles, or polenta.

🧆 Ingredients To Make Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: It gives them richness and keeps them juicy after slow cooking.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender and soft, not dense or dry.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and lightness that balances the richness of the beef.
Garlic: Minced finely so it melts right into the meatballs.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a deep savoury note that makes the meatballs taste extra well-rounded.
Yellow mustard: Just a small amount adds brightness and balance without making the meatballs taste mustardy.
Egg: Acts as the binder that keeps the meatballs holding together while they cook.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavour of the beef and seasonings.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balance.

Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that pairs great with the rich gravy.
Onion powder: Boosts flavour without adding extra texture.
Vegetable oil: Used for searing the meatballs and building flavour.
Butter: Used for both caramelizing the onions and creating the roux that thickens the gravy.
Yellow onion: Slowly cooked until soft and sweet.
Flour: Whisked into butter to create a smooth roux that gives the gravy its classic thickness.
Beef stock: The backbone of the gravy. Reduced sodium works best so you can control seasoning.
Tomato paste: Adds richness, colour, and a subtle tang that balances the savoury flavours.
Brown sugar: Helps the onions caramelize and adds depth without making the gravy sweet.

Fresh thyme: Adds a warm, earthy note that makes everything feel cozy and classic.
Bay leaf: Infuses the gravy with subtle depth as it slow cooks.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a fresh sprinkle at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness.

✔ How To Make This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

Add all of the meatball ingredients to a large bowl, reserving the oil for frying, and mix until well combined. Gently press the mixture together and roll into ½-inch meatballs.

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, add the meatballs and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side.

🤝 Sammy’s Tips for This Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

• The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—this step is just to build flavor. They’ll finish cooking in the crockpot.
• Freezing the meatballs briefly helps them firm up so they hold their shape and don’t break apart when added to the crockpot.

Once the meatballs are done pan-frying, transfer them to a large baking sheet and place them in the freezer while you prep the remaining ingredients.

In the same pan used to fry the meatballs, add the butter, sliced onions, and brown sugar. Cook over low to medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

To your crockpot add your caramelized onions, meatballs, beef stock, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaf. Mix to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, make the roux by adding the butter and flour to a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk constantly until fully combined and smooth with a buttery texture, about 3 minutes. Add your roux to the crockpot, mix to combine and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until sauce becomes slightly thickened.

Remove the lid from the crockpot, turn off the heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken a bit more. Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta or along side your favourite veggies.

🗒 Variations

Extra savoury: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while they cook for more depth and earthiness.
Garlic-forward: Add a few extra cloves of garlic to the onions while they caramelize.
Herb swap: Rosemary or oregano work well if you don’t have fresh thyme.

🗒 Substitutions

Ground beef: Ground turkey or a beef–pork blend both work well. Turkey will be lighter but still flavourful.
Breadcrumbs: Make homemade bread crumbs or get store bought.
Beef stock: Vegetable stock works in a pinch, but the gravy will be milder.
Butter: Plant-based butter works for the roux, just use one with a neutral flavour.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

This meatballs and gravy recipe reheats great. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly for the best texture.

🤔 FAQ’S

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More? 

If you loved this crockpot meatballs and gravy recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourites you may also love:

• Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
• Eggplant Meatballs (aka Polpette di Melanzane)
• Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this crockpot meatballs and gravy recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.