Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy, family-friendly weeknight meal, look no further than these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Tender meatballs simmered all day in a rich, savory gravy—the kind that begs to be spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers classic flavor and comfort with minimal effort, making dinnertime something to truly look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is wonderfully simple, but don’t underestimate the impact of each component—together, they create the rich, nostalgic flavors you crave in a classic comfort dish.

• Frozen Meatballs (26 oz bag): Using store-bought frozen meatballs is a game-changer when it comes to quick prep, but feel free to use your own homemade meatballs if you want to make it extra-special!
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (2 cups): This forms the flavorful gravy base, infusing the meatballs with rich, beefy taste without overpowering them with salt.
• Brown Gravy Mix Packet: Delivers instant savory depth and helps thicken up the sauce with little effort.
• Onion Soup Mix Packet: A classic shortcut brimming with onion-y goodness and seasoning—the essential ingredient for that old-school Salisbury steak flair.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Just a bit of ketchup adds gentle tang and subtle sweetness that balances the hearty beef flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): This under-the-radar ingredient gives complexity and a hint of umami to the gravy, making it irresistible.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) + Cold Water (2 tablespoons): Mixed together, this slurry is what makes your gravy luxuriously thick and glossy at the very end.

Variations

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is that it’s endlessly adaptable! Swap, add, or adjust ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, your family’s preferences, or your dietary needs—there’s no wrong way to put your personal spin on this classic.

• Homemade Meatballs: If you’re feeling ambitious, mix up your own ground beef or turkey meatballs for a custom blend of herbs and flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free meatballs and ensure your gravy and soup mixes are certified gluten-free.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby carrots for extra texture, nutrition, and color—no need to sauté them first!
• Spice it Up: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat and depth if you crave bold flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Begin by spritzing the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray—this makes cleanup so much easier and keeps every last drop of delicious gravy where it belongs, not stuck to the dish!

Step 2: Add Meatballs

Pour the bag of frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them first—straight from the freezer is perfect, and it couldn’t be more convenient for busy cooks.

Step 3: Whisk Your Gravy Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined. This ensures the gravy will be perfectly seasoned and that all the flavors will infuse the meatballs while they cook.

Step 4: Combine & Slow Cook

Pour the rich gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so the meatballs are nicely coated. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on LOW for 5–6 hours; the aroma will be unbelievable by dinnertime!

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

When the time’s up, make a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this into the hot gravy and let everything cook for 10 more minutes. The result? Ultra-luscious, thick gravy that’s just begging to be poured over a big mound of potatoes or noodles.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving wakes up the whole dish with color and freshness. For a little extra flair, try a pinch of cracked black pepper or some finely diced chives—both make these meatballs look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

You can’t beat the classic combination of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, where every drop of gravy gets soaked up perfectly. If you’re feeling noodles, buttery egg noodles make a fantastic pairing. For lighter fare, serve with steamed green beans or a crisp green salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, pour those saucy meatballs right into a rustic serving dish and let everyone help themselves. If you’re hosting a game day or party, pop toothpicks in each meatball for savory cocktail bites, or even serve over slider buns for mini Salisbury steak “sandwiches!” The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature. Store the meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get richer and more enticing as they sit.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs freeze beautifully! Place cooled meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the gravy. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure even heating—either way, your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will taste fantastic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort with almost no work, give these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs a try. It’s a recipe that truly brings joy to the dinner table—easy enough for weeknights, special enough for sharing. Enjoy every saucy, hearty, delicious bite!

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