Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, hearty dinner that’ll warm you from the inside out, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the classic, savory flavors of Salisbury steak, wrapped up in rich, juicy meatballs, and lovingly simmered in a slow cooker until tender and drenched in a luscious gravy. This isn’t just another meatball recipe — it’s comfort food at its coziest, with no stress (thanks to your trusty slow cooker) and tons of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to impress your usual dinner crew, these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will completely steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Each element serves a real purpose, helping to build layers of flavor, making every bite memorable and craveable.

• Frozen meatballs: Save yourself time with high-quality frozen meatballs. They soak up that dreamy gravy beautifully and always turn out tender.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth: Adds depth and carries the flavors of the gravy without making things too salty.
• Brown gravy mix packet: The shortcut to that classic Salisbury flavor, offering richness and a beautifully thick finish.
• Onion soup mix packet: Brings in sweet caramelized onion notes and boosts the meaty umami taste.
• Ketchup: Provides a touch of tang and delicate sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds those quintessential savory, complex notes that define Salisbury steak.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy just enough so it spoon-coats everything perfectly.
• Cold water: Whisked with the cornstarch to make a slurry, preventing any lumps in that dreamy sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spritzing the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps cleanup super easy and ensures those lovely meatballs don’t stick to the sides as they simmer away. Plus, it helps every bit of sauce stay right where it belongs — coating the meatballs, not the insert.

Step 2: Load in the Meatballs

Simply dump the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker. No need to thaw! This is a true dump-and-go dinner, and using frozen meatballs means less work and more flavor absorption as they slowly soak up that luscious sauce.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything’s dissolved and well combined. Pour this savory concoction over the meatballs in the slow cooker and give everything a gentle stir to coat every ball in flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat lets the meatballs soak up all those savory flavors and guarantees that tender, juicy texture everyone loves in Salisbury steak meatballs. Go ahead and take in that incredible smell wafting through your kitchen — you’ll want to sneak a taste already!

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

When your timer dings, quickly whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, then let everything cook for another 10 minutes. The gravy will transform from brothy to glossy, rich, and thick enough to smother anything it touches.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop those Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs onto fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even crusty bread. Drizzle that beautiful, robust gravy over everything, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and get ready for your new weeknight favorite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the rich flavors. For an even fancier finish, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or finely diced chives. A touch of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a restaurant-worthy pop and brings all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These saucy, savory meatballs are practically begging to be served over creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, which soak up all that glorious gravy. For balance, a side of steamed green beans, buttered peas, or a simple crisp salad pairs wonderfully, giving every plate a pop of color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to think outside the bowl? Pile the meatballs into soft sandwich rolls for an impressive take on a meatball sub, or layer them over polenta for a twist. You can even serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs on toothpicks as a hearty party appetizer, with extra gravy for dipping on the side — trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge, making them perfect for lunches or quick dinners all week long.

Freezing

Want to stash some for the future? Let the meatballs cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the gravy seems thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. You can also microwave individual servings in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your own cooked homemade meatballs if you have them on hand — just keep in mind you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as homemade ones might be a little more delicate and faster to heat through.

Can I cook the meatballs on HIGH?

Yes, you can cook them on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on the gravy towards the end, and add the cornstarch slurry about 10 minutes before serving as you would on LOW.

What can I use instead of onion soup mix?

If you don’t have onion soup mix, try a tablespoon of dried minced onion, a pinch of garlic powder, and a bit more salt and pepper — those flavors will still add wonderful depth to the sauce.

What kind of frozen meatballs work best?

I recommend plain beef or homestyle meatballs for that classic Salisbury steak vibe. Turkey or chicken meatballs also work well if you want something lighter, but avoid heavily seasoned varieties that might clash with the sauce.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If your gravy is a bit thin, add a touch more cornstarch (dissolved in cold water first). For a thinner sauce, stir in an extra splash of beef broth until it’s your ideal consistency.

Final Thoughts

I have a feeling once you try these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, they’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a little comfort at home, their rich flavor and simple prep can’t be beat. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s make dinner extra delicious tonight!

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