If you are craving a hearty, comforting dinner that fills the house with irresistible aromas, then the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes simple frozen meatballs to the next level by simmering them slowly in a rich, savory gravy infused with classic brown gravy and onion soup mix flavors, delivering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a luscious sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a fuss-free, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to nailing the perfect flavor and texture balance in the dish. Each item brings something special to the table, from the tender meatballs to the savory gravy that ties it all together.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz bag): Convenient and perfectly portioned, they form the heart of this comforting recipe.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and rich meaty flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Brown gravy mix packet: Gives the sauce that classic savory, slightly sweet flavor we all love with Salisbury steak.
- Onion soup mix packet: Infuses the gravy with mega umami and that iconic onion twist.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Brings subtle tang and sweetness, balancing the saltiness perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a bold, complex taste that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Essential to thicken the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Used to make the cornstarch slurry that ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
Start by mixing together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce right inside your slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until all the dry mixes dissolve and the ketchup is evenly distributed. This step crafts that flavorful gravy foundation where your meatballs will soak up all the savory goodness throughout cooking.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, toss your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No thawing needed here—that’s the beauty of this recipe! Gently stir or swirl them around to make sure each meatball is coated with the luscious gravy base. This will help them remain tender and lock in moisture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours if you want them ultra-tender with maximum flavor infusion. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will still yield delicious results. The slow cooking allows the meatballs and gravy to meld together into that classic Salisbury steak taste.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
About half an hour before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, cover again, and let it cook until the gravy thickens to a velvety consistency. This final step ensures every bite is smothered in rich, silky sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Gently stir the gravy and meatballs one last time, then serve immediately. The meatballs will be tender, juicy, and coated in a flavorful, thickened gravy that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and brightness that complements the deep gravy flavors beautifully. For an extra touch, try a few cracked black pepper flakes on top for subtle heat and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Salisbury steak meatballs recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the gravy like a dream. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables provide freshness and balance, while a simple buttered egg noodles plate offers a classic diner-style comfort meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, use the meatballs and gravy as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. You can also stuff them inside a crusty roll and top with grated cheese for a Salisbury steak meatball sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. The versatility makes the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy, reheatable meal to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen leftovers can be stored for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy comfort food whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of beef broth or water while reheating can help rejuvenate the sauce if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just make sure to precook them before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they stay tender and fully cooked during the slow simmer.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetarian meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. A mushroom-based gravy mix can also enhance the flavor to achieve that rich, savory profile.
What if I don’t have brown gravy or onion soup mix packets?
You can make your own gravy blend using beef bouillon, flour, dried onions, and seasonings like garlic powder and pepper. While it won’t be exactly the same, it’s an easy shortcut that still results in delicious gravy.
Can I cook this recipe on high all day?
Cooking on high for the recommended 3 to 4 hours works well, but cooking all day on high is not advised as this might dry out the meatballs or over-reduce the gravy. Stick to the recommended times to keep everything juicy.
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
The gravy should coat the back of a spoon and not be watery or runny. When you stir it, the sauce should move smoothly and have a slight resistance from the thickened texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a comforting meal that combines ease and incredible flavor, the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a must-try. It takes minimal effort, lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and rewards you with juicy meatballs swimming in rich, savory gravy. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation that everyone will beg you to make again and again.
Print
Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful brown gravy with onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, these meatballs are ideal for a hearty dinner when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy and Sauce
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy: In the slow cooker, combine the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well blended, which will create the flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs evenly into the slow cooker, then gently stir to coat all meatballs completely with the prepared gravy mixture. This ensures they absorb the rich flavors as they cook.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the meatballs on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively, on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking low and slow helps the meatballs become tender and soak up the savory sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker mixture to thicken the gravy. Allow it to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked, stir everything to evenly distribute the sauce. Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dishes for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs saves preparation time and ensures consistent size and cooking.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth helps control the salt level but maintain rich flavor.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the gravy without lumps.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles.
