Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re yearning for a hearty, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe is a weeknight savior: juicy meatballs are enveloped in a savory, richly flavored gravy that tastes like something your grandma would proudly serve. Best of all, everything gets tossed right into your slow cooker, filling your home with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’re met with sheer comfort food perfection—no prep stress required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs lies in their down-to-earth, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item brings something essential to the table, whether it’s deep umami flavor, a glossy finish, or that irresistible, gravy-soaked tenderness we all crave in a classic Salisbury steak.

• Frozen meatballs (1 bag, 26 oz): The star of the show! They offer ease and the meaty base for soaking up all that luscious gravy.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Delivers savory depth and plenty of moisture for those meatballs to simmer in.
• Brown gravy mix (1 packet): A tried-and-true shortcut to bring bold, classic flavor to your sauce without fuss.
• Onion soup mix (1 packet): Intensifies the oniony backdrop and layers in big, comforting notes.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle tang and a hint of sweetness to balance out the richness.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): For that secret umami kick and a splash of complexity!
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Key for achieving that perfectly thick, silky gravy.
• Cold water (2 tablespoons): Mixes with cornstarch to make a slurry so your gravy is never lumpy.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the meatballs from sticking to your slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by giving the insert of your slow cooker a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray. This tiny effort ensures all those delicious bits serve your plate and not the dishwasher later!

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Dump the frozen meatballs straight from the bag into the slow cooker insert. There’s no need to thaw—let your slow cooker work its magic from start to finish.

Step 3: Mix the Gravy Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. This powerhouse mixture is where all that depth and flavor gets started. Once combined, pour it right over your waiting meatballs.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Give the meatballs a gentle stir so they’re nice and coated, then pop the lid on your slow cooker. Cook everything on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. While you wait, soak in the aromas and trust that your dinner is turning out just the way it should—tender, flavorful, and ready for gravy-lovers everywhere.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

When your cook time is nearly up, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Lift the lid and stir the slurry into your slow cooker, then let everything cook for another 10 minutes. You’ll see that gorgeous gravy thicken up beautifully.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a whiff of freshness that’s irresistible against the rich, dark gravy. If you want to get fancy, a few chives or a little fresh cracked black pepper look and taste wonderful too!

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, offering the perfect pillowy canvas for soaking up all that savory goodness. For an old-fashioned twist, buttered egg noodles are just as swoon-worthy. Add in a side of steamed green beans or buttery peas and carrots to round out your comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over toasted, split hoagie rolls for a cozy, saucy sandwich. Or stick a toothpick in each one and set them on a platter for game day—they’re absolute crowd-pleasers as appetizers, especially with extra gravy for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep surprisingly well! Transfer any remaining Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better as they meld in the fridge.

Freezing

These meatballs are freezer-friendly. Once they’ve cooled completely, pack them (with plenty of gravy) into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just be sure to label with the date for easy meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions covered until hot, or warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy is thicker than you’d like, splash in a bit of extra broth as you heat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have homemade meatballs on hand (baked or pan-seared), you can substitute them one-for-one with the frozen variety—just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Check your gravy and soup mixes for gluten-free options, and use gluten-free meatballs if needed. There are plenty of great products out there now to make this simple swap.

What if I only have full-sodium broth?

You can absolutely use regular beef broth, but consider reducing the amount of soup and gravy mix slightly, or simply add a splash of water to dilute. Keep an eye on seasoning and adjust to taste at the end.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume. You may need a longer cook time if the cooker is very full—test the meatballs for tenderness before serving.

Is it okay to start with thawed meatballs?

Of course! Just keep in mind that thawed meatballs may heat through a bit faster, so check them at the 4-hour mark and proceed with the rest of the recipe as outlined.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing cozier or more satisfying than sharing a dish like Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with the people you love. Whether you’re looking to make dinner effortless or hoping to wow a crowd, give this recipe a try—you’re in for a comforting, craveable meal that’s sure to draw smiles all around!

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