Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Get cozy—because you’re about to discover the magic of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! This dish takes the humble frozen meatball and transforms it into pure comfort on a plate, smothered in a rich brown gravy that practically makes itself. The best part? It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe using pantry staples and minimal prep, making it your secret weapon for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners that feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs comes together like a dream. Each part is carefully chosen for a burst of flavor, unbeatable texture, and gravy so good you’ll want to lick the spoon!

• Frozen Meatballs: Go for your favorite variety—homestyle, turkey, or even Italian all work beautifully for this base.
• Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: This keeps things flavorful but not overly salty; choose reduced-sodium if you want more control over the final salt level.
• Brown Gravy Mix Packet: The key to that luscious, savory gravy, this packet brings depth without fuss.
• Onion Soup Mix Packet: Layers in classic Salisbury steak flavor with oniony goodness and a little bit of tang.
• Ketchup: Just enough to add a subtle tomato sweetness and roundness that brightens the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash brings the unmistakable umami signature in every bite.
• Cornstarch: Creates the perfect thick-and-glossy gravy that coats every meatball just right.
• Cold Water: Used with cornstarch to make a slurry for thickening at the finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker insert a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures every last ounce of that gravy ends up on your plate, not stuck to the sides.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Pour your frozen meatballs straight from the bag into the slow cooker. No need to thaw—just dump them in! This step couldn’t be easier and is the ultimate time-saver for those nights when you want dinner cooking without any effort.

Step 3: Mix the Gravy Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is well combined—this blend is going to soak into the meatballs and fill your kitchen with savory aromas all day long.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the luscious gravy mixture over your meatballs, making sure they’re all nestled and coated. Stir gently to distribute everything, then pop the lid on and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooker works its magic, melding flavors and turning ordinary meatballs into hearty Salisbury steak bites.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Once cooking time is up, stir together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker, mixing well, then let it simmer for another 10 minutes. The gravy will thicken to perfection, clinging to each meatball in the most irresistible way.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are ready! Spoon them generously over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making sure to get plenty of that silky gravy in every serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens this hearty dish, adding a touch of freshness and a gorgeous pop of green. If you’re feeling extra, a crack of freshly ground black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving transforms each plate from homey to downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

These meatballs absolutely shine when paired with classic mashed potatoes—the pillowy potatoes catch every bit of the rich gravy. For a lighter spin, try fluffy egg noodles or even steamed rice. Add a simple green salad or some buttered green beans for color and crunch, making your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs meal complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to serve things a bit differently, try skewering a few meatballs for an easy appetizer or nestling them into slider rolls for a hearty party snack. You can even pile them onto a baked potato with extra gravy and a sprinkle of cheese for a comfort-food twist that puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. The gravy keeps everything tender and moist, making leftovers just as satisfying the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, let the meatballs and gravy cool completely before dividing into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label everything and lay flat for easy stacking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—a lifesaver for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat your meatballs and gravy gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwave reheating works too; just cover to prevent splatters and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work perfectly for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs—just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker. The gravy will soak in even more, and you get total control over the seasonings.

Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?

You can cook the meatballs on HIGH for about 2 to 3 hours, but slow cooking on LOW is recommended for the best flavor and texture. The extra time lets the meatballs absorb all those savory flavors.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose certified gluten-free meatballs, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix. Double-check your labels and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making for an easy swap.

Can I skip the cornstarch slurry at the end?

If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can absolutely skip the cornstarch step. The sauce will be more like a flavorful broth but still delicious poured over starches of your choosing.

What other proteins can I use?

Turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs can all be swapped in depending on your preferences. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, so feel free to play with your protein choice!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s everything comfort should be—easy, hearty, and downright delicious—it doesn’t get better than Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Give it a try and let this new weeknight favorite bring cozy smiles to your table!

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