These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring all the rich, comforting flavors of classic Salisbury steak in an easy-to-make meatball form. With a rich, beefy brown gravy that develops while slow-cooking, every bite is packed with deep, savory goodness. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy white rice for a warm, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty and delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these Salisbury steak meatballs will quickly become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cooked white rice. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 366 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires only a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Since it uses frozen meatballs, there’s no need to worry about prepping raw meat, making it a great option for those looking for a quick meal solution.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can serve these Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, depending on your preference. The rich brown gravy pairs perfectly with any of these options, soaking into the base for an extra-flavorful bite.
Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can use different types of frozen meatballs, including beef, turkey, or even plant-based varieties. The seasoning blend can also be adjusted to suit your taste, allowing for a more personalized dish.
The Secret to a Flavorful Gravy
A standout feature of this dish is the delicious brown gravy that forms while the meatballs cook. Unlike traditional gravies that require standing over a stove, this one develops on its own in the slow cooker. The combination of beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup creates a perfectly balanced, savory sauce.
The addition of a cornstarch slurry at the end of the cooking process helps thicken the gravy, giving it the ideal consistency for coating the meatballs. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch used or even skip it altogether.
Cooking Tips for the Best Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To ensure the best possible results, here are some helpful tips for making this dish:
- Choose the Right Meatballs: Opt for high-quality frozen meatballs, as they will absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively. Homestyle or beef meatballs work best, but turkey or Italian meatballs can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Use Full-Salt Broth for Better Flavor: Since slow-cooking can sometimes dull the intensity of flavors, using full-sodium beef broth ensures that the dish remains well-seasoned. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use reduced-sodium broth and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Let the Gravy Thicken Properly: Adding the cornstarch slurry toward the end of the cooking time allows the gravy to thicken without becoming too thick too soon. Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to prevent clumping.
- Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine, a teaspoon of garlic powder, or even some sautéed mushrooms to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
There are many delicious ways to serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Some popular options include:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: This is the classic choice, as the creamy potatoes complement the rich brown gravy beautifully.
- With Egg Noodles: The soft texture of egg noodles pairs wonderfully with the tender meatballs and velvety sauce.
- Over Rice: A simple bowl of white or brown rice absorbs the flavors of the gravy, making for a hearty meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced plate, serve these meatballs alongside roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, use a microwave or warm the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect meal for those looking for a hassle-free, comforting dinner. With their rich, savory gravy and tender texture, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family. The convenience of using frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly easy, while the slow cooker ensures deep, developed flavors without any extra work.
Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, these meatballs offer a satisfying and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Salisbury steak in a new and exciting way. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s a must-have in your dinner rotation!