Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy

This slow cooker meatballs and gravy recipe is perfect for when you are craving an easy one-pot comfort food. Homemade meatballs slow cook in a a healthy gravy that cooks directly in crockpot. Low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible, this meatballs & gravy recipe does not contain canned soups or processed packets of gravy. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners.

Ingredients For Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy

For The Meatballs:

• Ground Beef
• Ground Sausage
• Almond Flour: A grain-free binder that keeps this recipe low-carb and paleo-friendly
• Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together
• Meatball Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper

For The Gravy:

• Beef Broth: Forms the rich base of the gravy
• Arrowroot Starch or Corn Starch: Thickens the gravy (use arrowroot for paleo/Whole30 compliance).
• Gravy Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, salt, pepper

How To Make Meatball & Gravy In The Crock-Pot

Slow Cooker

1. Add the broth, starch, and the gravy seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary) the slow cooker. Whisk until well blended and there are no lumps.
2. In a medium-size bowl, mix together all the meatball ingredients until well blended. Shape into evenly round meatballs, approximately 3 tablespoons of meat each.  Add the prepared meatballs to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW 6 to 8.

FAQs & Tips

What is the arrowroot/corn starch for?

The starch serves as a thickening agent for the gravy.

Can you use flour as a thickening agent?

Unfortunately, I have not made this recipe using flour. Having not tried it, I still do not recommend using flour unless you make a roux separately. 

Are the meatballs really low-carb?

Yes! Almond flour replaces breadcrumbs, making the meatballs low-carb & paleo friendly.

Can you use a different meatball recipe? 

Sure! If you have a favorite meatball recipe, feel free to use it. 

Can you use store-bought, frozen meatballs?

Yes! If you do not want to make your own homemade meatballs, substitute store-bought ones. If using frozen meatballs, no need to thaw them first; add them directly to the slow cooker gravy frozen.

Do you need to brown the meatballs beforehand?

Not necessary! Add the raw meatballs directly into the crockpot. 

Do you have to use red meat?

Nope. You can use your preferred ground meat to make the meatballs. Turkey is a good substitution for the beef & sausage combo.

Is this healthy?

Depends on who you ask. Written as-is, this crockpot meatballs and gravy recipe is low-carb, paleo and Whole30 compatible. Unlike other versions, there is no canned cream of soup and high-sodium packets of gravy.

What is the gravy is full of clumps when it’s done cooking?

Don’t worry, this happened to me as well. If your gravy is clumpy when it’s done cooking, simply give the gravy a good stir. The clumps will disappear. 

How do you serve meatballs and gravy?

Meatballs & gravy is great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot meatballs and gravy in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker did you use?

I use a  6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

 

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• Meatballs & Zoodles

• Air Fryer Herb Meatballs

• Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

• Cheesy Ravioli Meatball Casserole

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