Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
If you adore comforting, hearty dishes that fill your home with irresistible aromas, then you are going to fall in love with these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a rich, savory gravy that simmers low and slow to perfection. The magic happens right inside your slow cooker, making it an effortless meal that tastes like it took hours of love and skill. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a satisfying dish, these meatballs deliver flavor and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and that perfect gravy consistency you’re aiming for. Together, these ingredients come together to create a dish that feels special but couldn’t be easier to prepare.
- Frozen meatballs (1 bag, about 30–35): Using pre-made meatballs saves time and ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the gravy without overpowering the meatballs.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Provides a savory, silky base for the sauce, delivering that classic Salisbury steak flavor.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Boosts the dish with aromatic onion and herb notes for an irresistible taste.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Brings a touch of tangy sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle umami punch that enhances the meaty goodness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the gravy to the perfect luscious consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for even gravy thickening.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh, herbaceous note at serving time.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Begin by generously spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step is key to making sure your meatballs don’t stick to the bottom or sides during the long cook time, helping keep everything intact and easy to serve.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Place the entire bag of frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them first—the slow cooker does all the work while infusing the meatballs with deep flavors from the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This mixture is going to be your luscious, savory sauce that coats every meatball with rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and gently stir just enough to coat them evenly. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to LOW. Let it cook for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to soak up the savory sauce and become wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
About 10 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and continue cooking uncovered for those last minutes until the gravy thickens to a perfect, silky finish.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the meatballs and thickened gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle over some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness—this finish really takes your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs to the next level.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that brightens the rich, hearty dish with its vibrant green hue and subtle herbal fragrance. If you want to add more texture and flavor, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or even a dollop of sour cream can create a luscious contrast to the savory gravy.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for something soft underneath to soak up that amazing gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are the all-time favorite—think fluffy, buttery, and smooth. For a lighter touch, buttered egg noodles work beautifully, capturing every drop of sauce with their curled folds. Complement these with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp, simple side salad to balance out the meal with fresh, crunchy greens.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply switch things up, serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Alternatively, offer mini slider buns and make Salisbury steak sliders topped with a bit of melted cheese and caramelized onions. This can transform your weeknight dinner into a fun, interactive experience without losing any of the cozy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let them cool completely before transferring to airtight containers so the flavors have time to meld even more as they rest.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a future meal, freeze the cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that perfect texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy either in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce needs loosening up. This keeps the meatballs tender and ensures the gravy stays silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will work wonderfully—just make sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce.
Is it necessary to use both the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix?
Both mixes contribute unique flavors that create a balanced, savory sauce, but you could use just one if needed. Keep in mind the flavor may be less complex.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown meatballs if you like, then pressure cook with the sauce for about 10 minutes followed by a natural pressure release. Finish by thickening the gravy as directed.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes or noodles?
Try mashed cauliflower, rice, or even a crusty roll to soak up all that delicious gravy. Roasted vegetables are a nice, hearty side as well.
How do I adjust the recipe for fewer or more servings?
The ingredient amounts scale easily, but keep cooking times roughly the same—longer if you have a really full slow cooker, or a shorter time if you’re doing a small batch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s both effortless and loaded with flavor, give these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs a try. They’re perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal fuss, but maximum taste. Trust me, once you experience those tender meatballs bathed in savory gravy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy classic.
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender frozen meatballs smothered in a rich, onion-infused gravy. Perfect for busy days, this dish combines the convenience of the slow cooker with classic flavors, making it ideal served over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add the Meatballs: Dump the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful gravy base.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours to allow flavors to meld and meatballs to become tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the hot Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use nonstick spray or grease the slow cooker to prevent meatballs from sticking and burning.
- Frozen meatballs can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings; check for doneness after 5 hours.
- For a thicker gravy, increase cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring well to avoid lumps.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and a fresh flavor balance.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5-6 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, Salisbury steak meatballs, easy dinner, frozen meatballs, comfort food, brown gravy, quick meal
