This slow cooker meatballs and gravy recipe is an easy one-pot comfort food dinner made with homemade meatballs and a rich gravy that cooks right in the crockpot. It is hearty, satisfying, and simple enough for busy weeknights. Made without canned soup or packaged gravy mix, this crockpot meatballs and gravy recipe is low-carb, paleo-friendly, and Whole30 compatible when prepared with arrowroot starch.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create tender meatballs and a flavorful homemade gravy. The meatballs are made with ground beef and ground sausage for a rich, savory flavor, while almond flour replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep the recipe low-carb and grain-free.
For The Meatballs:
- Ground Beef: The main base for the homemade meatballs.
- Ground Sausage: Adds extra flavor and moisture.
- Almond Flour: A grain-free binder that helps keep the meatballs low-carb and paleo-friendly.
- Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together while they cook.
- Meatball Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
For The Gravy:
- Beef Broth: Creates the rich, savory base of the gravy.
- Arrowroot Starch or Corn Starch: Thickens the gravy. Use arrowroot starch for paleo and Whole30 compatibility.
- Gravy Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
How To Make Meatballs and Gravy in the Crockpot
Slow Cooker
- Add the beef broth, arrowroot starch or corn starch, and the gravy seasonings to the slow cooker. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and there are no visible lumps.
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly blended, but do not overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into round meatballs, using approximately 3 tablespoons of meat for each one. Place the prepared meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
FAQs & Tips
What is the arrowroot or corn starch for?
The starch works as the thickening agent for the gravy. It helps turn the broth and seasonings into a smooth sauce that coats the meatballs as they cook.
Can you use flour as a thickening agent?
This recipe has not been tested with flour. Because flour behaves differently than arrowroot starch or corn starch, it is not recommended unless you prepare a roux separately before adding it to the slow cooker.
Are the meatballs really low-carb?
Yes. These meatballs use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, which keeps them low-carb and paleo-friendly.
Can you use a different meatball recipe?
Yes. If you already have a favorite meatball recipe, you can use it with this gravy. The slow cooker method works well with homemade meatballs, and it can also be used with store-bought meatballs if you prefer a shortcut.
Can you use store-bought frozen meatballs?
Yes. If you do not want to make homemade meatballs, store-bought frozen meatballs can be used. There is no need to thaw them first; add them directly to the slow cooker with the gravy.
Do you need to brown the meatballs beforehand?
No. The raw meatballs can go straight into the crockpot. This keeps the recipe simple and makes cleanup easier.
Do you have to use red meat?
No. You can use the ground meat you prefer. Turkey is a good substitute for the beef and sausage combination if you want a lighter option.
Is this recipe healthy?
That depends on your personal eating style, but this version is written to be low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible. It is made without canned cream soup or processed gravy packets, which makes it a cleaner alternative to many traditional crockpot meatballs and gravy recipes.
What if the gravy is full of clumps when it is done cooking?
Do not worry. If the gravy looks clumpy after cooking, stir it well. The clumps should break down and the gravy will become smoother.
How do you serve meatballs and gravy?
Slow cooker meatballs and gravy are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lower-carb meal, serve them with cauliflower mash or your favorite vegetables.
How do you store leftovers?
Store leftover crockpot meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What size slow cooker did you use?
A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe.
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Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
This slow cooker meatballs and gravy recipe is an easy comfort food dinner made with homemade meatballs and a flavorful gravy that cooks directly in the crockpot. It is low-carb, paleo-friendly, and Whole30 compatible when made with arrowroot starch. Serve it for a cozy family meal or prepare it ahead for simple leftovers.
- Author: Shannon Epstein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Gravy
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add the beef broth, arrowroot starch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried rosemary to the slow cooker. Whisk until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, ground sausage, egg, almond flour, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, using about 3 tablespoons of meat for each one. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Notes
If the gravy looks clumpy when the cooking time is finished, stir it well before serving. The clumps should disappear as the gravy comes together.