Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
– Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes–5 hours 15 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the meatballs
– 2 pounds (900 g) frozen fully cooked meatballs
– Alternatively, use homemade beef meatballs
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the creamy mushroom gravy
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup finely chopped onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons cold water (if using cornstarch)
For garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese
– Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meatballs
If using frozen fully cooked meatballs, there is no need to thaw them first.
Place the meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Spread them evenly so they cook consistently.
If using homemade raw meatballs, brown them in a skillet first for extra flavor. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
Step 2: Prepare the onion and garlic
Finely chop the onion.
Mince the garlic cloves.
For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a little butter for 2–3 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy mushroom base
In a large mixing bowl, add:
– Cream of mushroom soup
– Beef broth
– Heavy cream
– Melted butter
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the seasonings
Add minced garlic, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.
Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
Step 5: Pour the sauce over the meatballs
Slowly pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the meatballs inside the slow cooker.
Use a large spoon to gently coat the meatballs with the sauce.
Make sure the sauce is distributed evenly.
Step 6: Start slow cooking
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook according to the following settings:
– LOW: 4–5 hours.
– HIGH: 2–3 hours.
If using frozen fully cooked meatballs, make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Avoid repeatedly opening the lid during cooking.
Step 7: Stir the meatballs
Once the meatballs are heated through and tender, gently stir the mixture.
The mushroom gravy should look creamy, rich, and flavorful.
Be careful not to break the meatballs.
Step 8: Thicken the gravy (optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently.
Cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 9: Add extra cheese
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
Stir gently until the cheese melts into the creamy gravy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 10: Garnish and serve
Turn off the slow cooker.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper over the meatballs.
Serve hot with plenty of creamy mushroom gravy.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These creamy meatballs taste wonderful with:
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Buttered egg noodles
– Steamed white rice
– Garlic bread
– Roasted green beans
– Buttered vegetables
– Homemade dinner rolls
My favorite combination is creamy mashed potatoes with extra mushroom gravy poured over the top!
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 6 servings using beef meatballs and heavy cream.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 520 kcal
Protein 29 g
Carbohydrates 13 g
Fat 39 g
Saturated Fat 18 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 1,050 mg
Calcium 180 mg
Iron 3 mg
Values vary according to the meatballs, soup, broth, and cheese brands.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Beef meatballs provide protein for muscle maintenance.
– Iron: Beef contributes iron, which supports healthy red blood cell production.
– Vitamin B12: Beef provides vitamin B12 for normal nerve function and blood cell formation.
– Calcium: Parmesan and cream contribute calcium for healthy bones.
– Vitamin A: Dairy ingredients contribute vitamin A.
– Phosphorus: Meat and dairy provide phosphorus for bone health.
– Zinc: Beef provides zinc, which supports immune function.
– Energy: Meatballs and cream provide energy from protein and fat.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Use fully cooked frozen meatballs for an easier recipe.
2. Whisk the sauce until smooth before pouring it into the slow cooker.
3. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
4. Add Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
5. Avoid adding too much salt because canned mushroom soup and beef broth can already be salty.
6. Use LOW heat for tender meatballs and better flavor development.
7. Add cornstarch slurry only if you prefer thicker gravy.
8. Stir gently to keep the meatballs intact.
9. Add fresh parsley just before serving.
10. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to enjoy every drop of gravy.
Delicious Variations
– Swedish-Style Meatballs: Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice.
– Garlic Parmesan Meatballs: Increase the Parmesan and garlic.
– Extra Mushroom Meatballs: Add 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms.
– Cheesy Meatballs: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella near the end.
– Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes.
– Turkey Meatballs: Replace beef meatballs with turkey meatballs.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces may change texture slightly after thawing.
– Stovetop reheating: Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
– Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.
Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the gravy becomes too thick.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy (heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan).
– May contain wheat/gluten (cream of mushroom soup and some meatballs).
– May contain soy depending on packaged meatballs and soup.
– Worcestershire sauce may contain fish (anchovies).
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Always check packaged meatballs, mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings for possible cross-contamination.
Easy Crockpot comfort food
Enjoy your rich, creamy, tender Mushroom Gravy Meatballs!