Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs, Onions & Gravy

Looking for an effortless yet heartwarming dinner option? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs with Onions & Gravy, a staple in many Irish households. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a hearty meal served with creamy mashed potatoes, making it an ideal choice for a slow cooker dinner.

Can I cook beef meatballs in the slow cooker?

Yes, beef meatballs cook perfectly in the slow cooker. The slow, gentle heat helps them stay juicy while allowing the flavours of the onions and gravy to develop beautifully.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?

Browning is optional. It adds extra flavour and helps them hold their shape, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it — they’ll still cook through just fine in the slow cooker.

How long do meatballs take to cook in the slow cooker?

Beef meatballs usually take 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Make sure the meatballs are cooked through and piping hot in the centre before serving.

Can I use shop-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, ready-made beef meatballs work well in this slow cooker recipe. Just check the pack instructions to ensure they’re suitable for slow cooking.

What kind of gravy is best for this recipe?

A rich beef gravy works best — you can use gravy granules, stock with cornflour, or homemade gravy depending on your preference. Adding caramelised onions gives it an extra depth of flavour.

Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker dish?

Absolutely. Sliced carrots, mushrooms, or even peas work well and make it a complete, fuss-free meal.

Can I freeze slow cooker beef meatballs in gravy?

Yes. Let them cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot.

What should I serve with slow cooker meatballs and gravy?

They’re delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta, and also pair beautifully with Yorkshire puddings or buttery greens for a classic comfort food dinner.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Beef Meatballs, Onions & Gravy 🥔🥩 620 cals served with mash (Serves 4) A real nostalgic flashback dinner for me, after school my Granda would have made this for me and my brother whilst our parents were at work. It hits differently and perfect on a wet miserable day. Preorder the new slowcooker book for half price on Amazon 📕 Ingredients: – 500g of meatballs, you can buy pre rolled or make your own – 2 x onions cut into rings – 2-3 tbsp tomato purée – 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – 1 tsp oregano – 1 tsp onion granules – 3 crushed garlic cloves – Salt and pepper – 400ml of beef stock – 2 tbsp bistro gravy powder with 50ml water Method: 1. Cook your meatballs for a few minutes on the pan to brown, add to your slowcooker 2. Fry the onions on the same pan including the juices from the meatballs, then add this to the slowcooker with all other ingredients 3. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 4. Serve with a creamy buttery mash, greens, garnish with thyme and enjoy 😉 Serves 4 with 150g mash per person #mash #meatballs #hungry #food #beef #storm #stormy #cold #wet #autumn #comfortfood #comfort #slowcooker #slowcookerrecipes #crockpot #slowcookerrecipes #onepot #viral #recipe #recipes #tiktok #like #comment #share

♬ Smooth Operator (TikTok Remix) – Pandora’s Box

Is this recipe suitable for batch cooking?

Definitely! You can easily double the quantities to feed a crowd or portion out for easy weekday dinners.

Are slow cooker beef meatballs healthy?

They can be. Use lean beef mince and pair with vegetables for a balanced, protein-rich meal that’s lower in fat and packed with flavour.