There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy wafting through the house. Imagine tender meatballs basking in a rich, savory gravy, just waiting to be devoured. tasty kielbasa and green beans Each bite bursts with flavor, and the texture is so melt-in-your-mouth that you might forget your manners and go for seconds… or thirds!
Growing up, Sundays were a special occasion filled with family gatherings and hearty meals. My mom would whip up her famous meatballs, and we couldn’t wait to gather around the table. Crockpot cheese tortellini dish It was a comforting ritual that made us feel loved and connected. Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, this dish promises to deliver warmth and joy.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavor profile is rich and savory, making it perfect for any occasion. The visual appeal of glistening meatballs in fragrant gravy will make your mouth water instantly. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even as sliders! [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made these meatballs for my friends; their faces lit up with delight after the first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease. For more inspiration, check out this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole recipe.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together beautifully.
Eggs: One or two eggs help hold everything together while adding moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful umami flavor.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic kick that everyone loves.
Onion Powder: It brings an extra layer of flavor without the hassle of chopping onions.
Italian Seasoning: This blend elevates your meatballs with classic Italian flavors.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for richer taste.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the gravy, making it extra luscious.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated but don’t overwork it!
Form Meatballs: With clean hands (and maybe some epic music playing), shape the mixture into equal-sized balls—about 1 inch in diameter works best. Place them on a baking sheet as you go.
Sear the Meatballs (Optional): For added flavor and texture, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides—this step elevates their taste significantly.
Add Marinara Sauce & Broth : In your slow cooker, pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Gently nestle those glorious meatballs into this heavenly mixture.
Cook Low & Slow : Set your slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell like an Italian restaurant by dinnertime!
Serve & Enjoy : Once cooked through, serve these succulent meatballs over pasta or enjoy them as sliders with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you’re ready to impress family and friends with your culinary skills while enjoying every comforting bite of Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy! spicy jalapeno popper soup.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy is not just comfort food; it’s a warm hug on a plate. The savory aroma fills your home, making everyone excited for dinner. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs in a pan for extra flavor before transferring them to the slow cooker. While they cook, prepare your rich gravy. This sequence ensures both the meatballs and sauce blend together beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with herbs like basil or oregano, or swap beef with turkey or chicken. You can even toss in some veggies like bell peppers for added nutrition, making this dish uniquely yours. chicken cordon bleu casserole. For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave until heated through without losing their mouthwatering flavor.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect meatballs, mix gently to avoid toughness; overmixing is a common mistake. Brown them first for deeper flavor and always taste your gravy before serving to adjust seasoning. [/info_box]
Cooking these Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy brings back fond memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly dug in.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs; just increase cooking time slightly for best results.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy?
Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious gravy.
How long should I cook meatballs in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for about six to eight hours or high for three to four hours until done.
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy is a comforting dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for serving over pasta or as sliders. This easy recipe captures the essence of family gatherings and cozy nights, making it a beloved favorite for any occasion.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- (Optional) Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
- In a slow cooker, combine marinara sauce and beef broth. Gently add meatballs to the sauce mixture.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until thoroughly cooked.
- Serve over pasta or as sliders with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 meatballs (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: To enhance flavor, consider browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. Customize with additional herbs like basil or oregano, or use turkey/chicken instead of beef. Add vegetables such as bell peppers for extra nutrition.
