Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Nothing says pure comfort food quite like a big helping of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Imagine plump, juicy meatballs smothered in rich, savory brown gravy, all married together after simmering for hours in your slow cooker. This family-friendly dish brings all the nostalgia of classic Salisbury steak with zero fuss, and the flavors truly develop as everything cooks low and slow. Toss in some creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, and you’ve got a soul-warming dinner that’s guaranteed to become a regular on your comfort food rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is refreshingly short and straightforward, but every single item delivers big flavor. Each component has a role, from forming that luscious gravy to ensuring the meatballs stay tender and full of depth.

• Frozen meatballs: The perfect shortcut to get dinner on the table fast — opt for your favorite store-bought variety or ones you love best for reliable flavor and texture.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth: Adds essential savory notes to the sauce while letting you control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Brown gravy mix: Packs loads of deep, beefy flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully as it cooks.
• Onion soup mix: Delivers that classic, savory punch and a gentle onion sweetness you remember from Salisbury steak growing up.
• Ketchup: Just a hint of tangy sweetness that ties the sauce together and nods to the retro roots of this dish.
• Worcestershire sauce: For complexity and that special umami zing which rounds out the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Blends with water to create a slurry that turns the cooking liquid into a silky, clingy gravy — can’t skip it!
• Cold water: Mixes with cornstarch to form a smooth paste for thickening the sauce without lumps.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbal finish that makes every serving feel just a little extra special.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Before you do anything else, grab your trusty slow cooker and coat the insert with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step is a game-changer — not only does it prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup later a total breeze. It’s the little things that make weeknight cooking less stressful!

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Take those glorious frozen meatballs and pile them right into your slow cooker, straight from the freezer. No thawing needed! Just dump them in and bask in how easy this shortcut makes your day.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure to blend everything until totally smooth — that way every meatball gets its fair share of the rich, umami-packed gravy once you pour it over.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker, then use a spatula or spoon to gently stir and coat all the meatballs with sauce. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW, and let it work its magic for 5 to 6 hours. By dinnertime, you’ll have juicy meatballs and a house that smells like pure comfort.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 10 minutes before serving, grab a small bowl and whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook another 10 minutes; the sauce will thicken up into the most crave-worthy gravy you can imagine.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the hot Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making sure to ladle on plenty of that dreamy gravy. Top each portion with fresh parsley for a touch of color and herbaceous finish — then dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice — its gentle, grassy flavor and pop of green make these meatballs look as good as they taste. For a cozy touch, try a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a flurry of grated Parmesan over the top.

Side Dishes

These savory meatballs cry out for something starchy to soak up all that luscious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are an unbeatable classic, but buttery egg noodles get just as cozy. Not a potato person? Serve with soft dinner rolls or even fluffy white rice — anything to catch those last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs as fun party bites with toothpicks and a side of gravy for dipping. Or layer them in a toasted hoagie roll, top with melted cheese, and broil for a hearty meatball sub. For a lighter spin, try them over a bed of cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover meatballs and sauce cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 4 days in the fridge, making lunch or another dinner as easy as reheating.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Scoop everything into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. Lay flat and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will taste just as comforting as the day you made them.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up until you reach the perfect saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade meatballs are fully cooked or browned before adding to the slow cooker to help them keep their shape and soak up all that wonderful gravy without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free frozen meatballs and look for gluten-free versions of brown gravy and onion soup mixes. Double-check the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as well — there are gluten-free options for both.

Is it okay to cook on HIGH instead of LOW?

You can cook on HIGH for about 2 to 3 hours if you’re tight on time, but the flavors meld best on the LOW setting, and the meatballs stay super tender.

What can I use to thicken the gravy if I don’t have cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder is a great substitute for cornstarch, or you can use all-purpose flour blended with water as a slurry. Just note: the texture and appearance might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

For sure! Sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or frozen peas all work beautifully and cook right alongside the meatballs. Add them at the start with the meatballs and everything will be tender and flavorful by the time you serve.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs become your new comfort food obsession. They’re easy, practically hands-off, and bursting with all the retro flavor and tenderness you crave. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and bring smiles to everyone at your table!

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