If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It takes classic Salisbury steak flavors and pairs them with juicy meatballs, all slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich, savory gravy. This dish is a total game-changer on busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be on regular rotation in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient enhances the overall dish. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the savory broth to the tangy ketchup, ensuring your meatballs come out tender, juicy, and coated in a luscious gravy.
- Frozen Meatballs (1 bag, 26 oz): Using pre-made meatballs saves time without compromising on taste or texture.
- Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth (2 cups): Adds depth and a rich beefy flavor to the gravy while keeping sodium levels in check.
- Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet): Provides that classic gravy base, full of hearty, savory notes.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 packet): Gives a wonderful aromatic boost and slight sweetness, balancing the savory elements perfectly.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a punch of umami to take the gravy to the next level.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the gravy at the end so it clings beautifully to the meatballs.
- Cold Water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch for the slurry, to ensure a smooth and silky sauce.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
Start by combining the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir until all the dry mixes dissolve and the ingredients are well blended. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of your dish, so make sure it’s evenly combined before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, add your frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them first, which saves you prep time. Gently stir the meatballs so they’re fully coated with the savory gravy, setting the stage for them to soak up all those delicious flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook Your Meatballs
Cover the slow cooker and let your meatballs cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the meatballs will become tender and juicy as they absorb the rich gravy, making the kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into your slow cooker and leave the lid off to allow the gravy to thicken. This final step gives you a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats every meatball.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once thickened, give everything a final stir to combine, and your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is ready to be served hot. Grab a big spoon and dig in — you’ll love the rich gravy and tender meatball combo!
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To kick this dish up a notch, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the meatballs just before serving. A little green freshness adds a beautiful pop of color and a subtle herby brightness that complements the savory gravy perfectly.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty dish pairs brilliantly with classic mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible gravy. Alternatively, fluffy steamed rice or buttered egg noodles are wonderful options that make every bite extra comforting. For a lighter balance, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables provide a crisp contrast to the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs open-faced on toasted bread or slider buns, making these a super cozy and satisfying meal. You could also plate them alongside roasted mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb version that still delivers on comfort and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the meatballs and gravy together helps them retain moisture and flavor, so reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.
Freezing
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze in portions with plenty of gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure the gravy heats evenly without drying out the meatballs. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce needs thinning.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just brown them first to help them hold together, then add to your slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
You can substitute with a mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to mimic the flavor. Adjust amounts to taste for best results.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to prepare the gravy, add the frozen meatballs, and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Then use the sauté mode again to thicken the gravy with the cornstarch slurry.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely! It makes for an easy, filling lunch or dinner that keeps well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients easily, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to allow even cooking. Cooking times may be slightly longer.
Final Thoughts
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a total winner when it comes to comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping ahead for busy evenings, these meatballs promise a warm, tasty hug in every bite. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your beloved go-to meals too!
Print
Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 4 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a rich, savory brown gravy, slow-cooked to perfection for an effortless, comforting meal. Perfect for busy days, it yields a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy: In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is well combined to form a flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated and submerged in the gravy mixture for maximum flavor infusion during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and thoroughly heated.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened, give everything a final stir. Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control salt content in the dish.
- You can substitute frozen homemade meatballs if preferred.
- For a thicker gravy, let it cook a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
