# Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy represent the pinnacle of convenient comfort food, cooked gently over time until everything becomes tender and full of flavor. This warm meal is ideal for hectic days when you crave something homemade on your table. Pair it with mashed potatoes or fresh egg noodles for a simple, satisfying dinner.
## Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Slow Cooker Meatballs
**Flavor**: Flavorful, hearty meatballs cooked in a creamy French onion gravy deliver a rich taste with hints of garlic, Worcestershire, and sweet caramelized onion in each mouthful.
**Recommended Tools**: A 6-quart slow cooker and a frying pan.
**Serving Suggestions**: Serve these meatballs on top of garlic ranch mashed potatoes, homemade egg noodles, or rice, alongside a simple vegetable.
**Total Time**: 4 hrs 30 mins
**Serves**: 4
**Cooking Method**: Slow Cooker
## Ingredient Notes for Slow Cooker Meatballs
– **Meatballs**: Frozen meatballs provide a convenient option and can be added directly from the freezer with no further preparation. Homemade meatballs are also excellent, and briefly browning them beforehand helps maintain their shape while enhancing the gravy’s flavor.
– **Condensed French Onion Soup**: This is the essential shortcut that unites all the flavors, contributing a deep onion taste and integrated seasoning for a rich, flavorful gravy.
– **Beef Broth**: Introduces savory richness to the gravy. Opt for low-sodium broth, as the condensed soup and meatballs may already be quite salty.
– **Cream**: Heavy cream renders the gravy rich, smooth, and incredibly comforting, while half-and-half can serve as a lighter alternative, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
– **Worcestershire**: Worcestershire sauce imparts that rich, savory, steakhouse-inspired taste that enhances the gravy. Soy sauce can substitute in a pinch; use a bit less as it’s saltier.
## How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
1. Place the meatballs, sautéed onions, garlic, and spices in the slow cooker.
2. Add the broth, French onion soup, cream, and Worcestershire.
3. Mix well and slow cook until the meatballs are thoroughly warmed.
4. Incorporate a cornstarch slurry at the end and cook until the gravy reaches the desired thickness.
### Tips for Success
– **Make it Quicker**: Using frozen, fully cooked meatballs is the quickest variation, and they perform wonderfully in the slow cooker.
– **For Homemade Meatballs**: Sear them first so they maintain integrity and have a richer flavor.
– **Slice Onions Thinly**: This ensures they blend seamlessly into the gravy while cooking.
– **For a Smoother Gravy**: Whisk the cornstarch with cold water prior to adding it to achieve a clean blend.
– **For a Deeper Flavor**: Introduce a handful of sautéed mushrooms or an extra dash of Worcestershire toward the end.
## Store, Freeze, Reheat
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for as long as 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when possible. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the gravy has thickened.
## Best Sides For Meatballs and Gravy
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