If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, savory meatballs swimming in a rich, flavorful brown gravy infused with onion and hints of Worcestershire sauce. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish brings classic diner vibes right to your dinner table—perfect for busy days or anytime you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a comforting, savory sauce that perfectly complements the meatballs. The simplicity of these essentials makes the preparation a breeze, while the combined flavors promise a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz): Using frozen meatballs saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds deep, meaty richness to the gravy without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): The base for the luscious, thick gravy coating each meatball.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Boosts savory depth with a delightful onion punch.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Balances the gravy with a touch of sweetness and tang.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and complexity to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Key for thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Blends with cornstarch to form a smooth slurry for thickening.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
Start by whisking together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, combining savory and tangy notes that develop fully as it simmers alongside the meatballs.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs evenly into the slow cooker. The beauty here is that you can start with meatballs straight from the freezer—no thawing necessary, making dinner prep that much easier.
Step 3: Coat Meatballs with Gravy
Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meatballs, making sure each one gets a generous coating. This step ensures every bite is saturated with that rich, hearty sauce we all crave.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow for 6 Hours
Cover the slow cooker and let the meatballs cook on low for about 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully while heating the meatballs through perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. This slurry is critical for transforming your gravy into a velvety, thick sauce that clings to each meatball delightfully.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
After the long cook, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover again and let it cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce beautifully thickening to just the right consistency—rich, glossy, and irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gravy has reached its perfect thickness, it’s time to dish up! These Salisbury steak meatballs go wonderfully over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice, soaking up every bit of that scrumptious sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of freshness, beautifully balancing the richness of the gravy and meatballs. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also elevate the flavors with just a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are an unbeatable companion, soaking up all the gravy’s goodness. Creamy buttered egg noodles or a simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli enhance the meal by adding texture and a bit of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs and gravy over toasted bread slices for an open-faced sandwich style meal. Alternatively, pile them on fluffy biscuit halves or even spoon over savory rice bowls for a cozy, satisfying dinner option that feels both special and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This slow cooker dish holds up beautifully, making weekday lunches or quick dinners just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, the meatballs freeze wonderfully. Freeze them in a suitable container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. You can also microwave individual portions, covered loosely to maintain moisture—just heat until thoroughly warm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will work just as well. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly since they don’t need to thaw, but the slow cooker will still tenderize them perfectly.
Is there a substitute for beef broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind the taste will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make the gravy from scratch?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade, use beef stock and sautéed onions, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning to replicate the savory, rich gravy while skipping the mixes.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling nicely to the meatballs, but still pourable. The cornstarch slurry allows you to adjust thickness perfectly at the end of cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe scales up easily. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra meatballs and liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you get a deliciously rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t recommend giving this a try enough—once you taste those tender meatballs in that luscious gravy, it’s going to become your new go-to recipe for cozy nights at home.
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a comforting and easy meal made with frozen meatballs simmered in a savory brown gravy enhanced with onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, these meatballs develop tender flavors during a slow cooking process, making them an ideal choice to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Slow Cook the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
- Pour the gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Make the Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- Thicken the Gravy: After 6 hours of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve: Once the gravy is thickened, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- You can customize the dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms or green beans into the slow cooker for added nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the meatballs and gravy mix are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
