Few things beat the cozy satisfaction of a hearty pot roast, and this Frozen Meatball Pot Roast is here to simplify your comfort food cravings. With tender meatballs, sweet baby carrots, and savory celery all swimming in a rich brown gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish delivers Sunday dinner vibes with weeknight ease. No need to sear, prep, or hover over the stove—this recipe lets frozen meatballs do all the heavy lifting while you kick back.

It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul after a long day, with flavors that feel slow-simmered but come together with the help of a few smart shortcuts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, this pot roast-style meal is guaranteed to satisfy.
What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?
Frozen homestyle meatballs work best in this recipe. You want them to be fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker or pot—this ensures even cooking and that the gravy doesn’t turn greasy. If you prefer beef or turkey, both will work well, just avoid anything overly seasoned like Italian-style meatballs, which may conflict with the classic pot roast flavors.
Ingredients for the Frozen Meatball Pot Roast
- Frozen fully-cooked homestyle meatballs: These mimic the tender beef chunks of traditional pot roast without the hassle.
- Baby carrots: Sweet and perfect for slow cooking, they absorb the savory gravy beautifully.
- Celery: Brings that earthy, aromatic depth and texture.
- Brown gravy mix or jarred brown gravy: A shortcut to thick, luscious flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and helps thin out the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Mashed potatoes: The ultimate creamy base for all that saucy goodness. Use homemade or store-bought.
How To Make the Frozen Meatball Pot Roast
Step 1: Layer the Veggies and Meatballs
In your slow cooker or large pot, add the baby carrots and chopped celery first. Then layer the frozen meatballs right over the vegetables.
Step 2: Pour in the Gravy
Whisk together your brown gravy mix with beef broth or pour in your jarred gravy thinned with broth. Pour this over the meatball-veggie mixture, making sure everything gets coated.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) in the slow cooker. If using a stovetop, let it simmer on low for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Spoon generous helpings of meatballs, veggies, and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes. The gravy seeps into every bite!

Serving and Storing Frozen Meatball Pot Roast
This dish is best served fresh over a warm bed of mashed potatoes, but leftovers are where it shines just as much. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunch or a quick dinner. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy.
What to Serve With Frozen Meatball Pot Roast?
Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Perfect for mopping up all that delicious gravy.
Garlic Green Beans
Crisp-tender with a garlicky bite to contrast the rich sauce.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake
A hearty, comforting side that pairs seamlessly with the meaty flavors.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add a little charred crunch and bitterness for balance.
Apple Walnut Salad
Bright and fresh with a sweet crunch to lighten the meal.
Cornbread Muffins
Slightly sweet and perfect as a cozy side.
Creamed Spinach
Velvety and rich to complement the pot roast vibe.
Macaroni and Cheese
Because one comfort food deserves another.
Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?
If you’re into rich and hearty meals like this one, don’t miss these satisfying recipes:
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a quick stovetop dinner.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want comfort in a bowl.
- French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for another no-fuss, flavor-loaded meal.
- Cheesy Hamburger Casserole if you need a baked dish the whole family will devour.
- One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky goodness in a single pot.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the mashed potatoes for egg noodles? Add peas? Tweak the seasoning?
I love hearing your twists and tips. Questions are always welcome too—let’s make dinner stress-free together.
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Frozen Meatball Pot Roast
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Frozen Meatball Pot Roast is a cozy, no-fuss comfort meal that mimics a traditional pot roast—using frozen meatballs instead of beef chunks. Everything simmers into a savory gravy with carrots and celery, then gets ladled over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick dinner, family meal, or an easy weeknight fix when you’re craving warm, hearty flavors. This easy recipe fits right in with dinner ideas, quick comfort food, and family-style food ideas like beef stew or slow cooker favorites.
Ingredients
24 oz frozen fully-cooked homestyle meatballs
2 cups baby carrots
1.5 cups chopped celery
2 cups brown gravy (jarred or mixed from packet)
1 cup beef broth
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Instructions
1. Place baby carrots and chopped celery in the bottom of a slow cooker or large pot.
2. Layer the frozen meatballs on top of the vegetables.
3. Mix brown gravy and beef broth until smooth, then pour over the meatballs and veggies.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) in a slow cooker. If using stovetop, simmer on low for about 1.5 hours.
5. Stir gently before serving and spoon the meatball pot roast over mashed potatoes.
Notes
If using jarred gravy, thin it with broth before adding to ensure it coats evenly.
This recipe works well with turkey meatballs for a lighter variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, beef ideas, quick meal
