Introduction

Enjoy comfort food made simple with slow-cooked Salisbury meatballs simmering in savory brown gravy. This easy recipe uses frozen meatballs gently heated in a flavorful sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

A white plate holds a dish with three layers. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, pale yellow and smooth with some texture. On top of the potatoes is a thick layer of dark brown gravy, glossy and rich in appearance. Sitting on the gravy are six round meatballs, dark brown and shiny, with a slightly textured surface and small green herb flakes sprinkled on top. In the background, blurred, are some bright green beans. The plate is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

26 ounces frozen meatballs (approximately 30 to 35 pieces)
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

Instructions

Step 1: Place frozen meatballs evenly in the slow cooker insert to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, gently stirring to coat all meatballs evenly.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until meatballs are thoroughly heated and fork-tender.
Step 5: In the final 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the cooker to thicken the gravy.
Step 6: Serve the meatballs and thickened gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or cooked egg noodles immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, brown meatballs in a skillet before slow cooking.
Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Add sliced mushrooms for earthiness or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
If you don’t have brown gravy mix, substitute with 2 teaspoons cornstarch, extra Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of onion powder.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in portioned containers; thaw overnight before reheating and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken as needed.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of creamy mashed potatoes forming the base layer, soft and pale yellow with a slightly lumpy texture. On top, there are six shiny brown meatballs covered in a thick, glossy brown gravy, which drips down onto the mashed potatoes. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on the meatballs, adding a touch of color. In the background on the plate, there is a blurred portion of bright green beans. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and soft natural light highlights the moist textures of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs can be used. Make sure they are fully cooked or seared before adding to the slow cooker for best results.

What are good sides for Salisbury meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and steamed rice all pair wonderfully with the rich brown gravy and tender meatballs.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the gravy.

Is it possible to cook on high to save time?

Yes, cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours is possible, but the texture might be less tender compared to cooking low and slow.

Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Leftovers can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Are there ways to lighten this dish?

Use turkey or chicken meatballs, reduced-sodium broth, and low-sodium gravy or soup mixes to lighten the recipe while keeping plenty of flavor.