Name: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h 10 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen meatballs; 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth; 1 packet brown gravy mix; 1 packet onion soup mix; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a deliciously comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, look no further than these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. This recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a rich, savory onion gravy that simmers gently all day, leaving you with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a lover of classic comfort food, this dish brings together simplicity and heartwarming taste in every bite.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a punch with every ingredient. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that irresistible rich color that makes Salisbury steak meatballs a true crowd pleaser.

Frozen meatballs (26 oz, about 30–35 meatballs): Using frozen meatballs saves time and ensures juicy, tender bites every time.
Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Provides a hearty base for the gravy without overpowering the dish.
Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Adds the classic savory depth that is signature to Salisbury steak sauce.
Onion soup mix (1 packet): Brings that fantastic onion flavor that makes the gravy so comforting and rich.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): A subtle hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses a lovely tangy, slightly smoky complexity into the sauce.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect luscious consistency.
Cold water (2 tablespoons): Used to make a slurry with cornstarch for thickening the sauce smoothly.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up the plate.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker insert a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step helps prevent the meatballs from sticking as they cook, making cleanup much easier and keeping every piece intact and visually appealing.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

No need to thaw here – just dump the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker. It’s all about convenience without compromising flavor or texture.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. This creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that will marry beautifully with the meatballs as they cook.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce over the meatballs, giving everything a gentle stir so they’re all coated in the gravy goodness. Cover with the lid, then set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 5 to 6 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the meatballs to become irresistibly tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, then cook for another 10 minutes. You’ll love watching the gravy thicken into that perfect rich sauce that clings to every meatball bite.

Step 6: Serve

Dish out the warm meatballs and generous spoonfuls of gravy over your favorite base, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like. The contrast of the bright green parsley against the deep brown gravy is simply stunning.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is an easy way to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the gravy. You can also try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika to add an unexpected layer of complexity.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are an unbeatable partner to the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, soaking up all that luscious gravy. If you want something lighter, buttered egg noodles are a wonderful alternative that cradles the meatballs beautifully. On the side, light steamed veggies like green beans or roasted broccoli bring freshness and a bit of texture contrast, balancing the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your meatballs on toasted dinner rolls or slider buns for easy handheld sandwiches. Or layer the Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy polenta or rice for a different take on combining comfort and elegance. A drizzle of horseradish cream or a dollop of sour cream can also add a delightful tangy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save them for later, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave space for expansion. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing any flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated Salisbury steak meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out, stirring between intervals to keep the gravy nice and silky.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe if you want an extra touch of freshness and control over ingredients. Just make sure they are cooked beforehand, as the slow cooker time here is designed for reheating frozen meatballs and melding flavors.

Is it possible to make the gravy from scratch?

Yes, you can definitely create a homemade gravy using beef broth, onions, butter, and flour if you prefer to avoid pre-packaged mixes. Keep in mind that the packet blends add convenience and a reliable depth of flavor, but scratch gravy is deliciously customizable.

Can I double this recipe? Will it fit in my slow cooker?

Doubling is possible if your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Just ensure the meatballs and sauce have enough room to cook evenly. Cooking time may increase slightly as the cooker reaches temperature more slowly.

What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any?

You can use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Use about double the amount of flour compared to cornstarch, and mix it with a little cold water to make a slurry before stirring it into the sauce.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

This depends on the brand of frozen meatballs and the mixes you use. Many store-bought meatballs contain breadcrumbs with gluten. You can make gluten-free meatballs from scratch and choose gluten-free gravy and soup mixes to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a hot, hearty dish like Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. They capture that cozy, home-cooked feeling with zero fuss, perfect for busy days when you still want big flavor at the dinner table. I can’t recommend these meatballs enough; they’ve truly become a favorite in my kitchen and I hope they’ll bring just as much comfort and joy to yours.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered in a savory onion gravy. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish delivers rich flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen meatballs
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking during cooking.
Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert in an even layer.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them evenly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to become tender.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs hot over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a splash of color and freshness.

Notes

For best results, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze leftovers in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
This recipe pairs well with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American