Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver a heartwarming meal that can spark joy and comfort for your family. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish combines the savory taste of seasoned beef meatballs with rich, flavorful gravy that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm invitation to sit together, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for some hometown flavors, this recipe can quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish stands out for several reasons. It’s incredibly simple, making it a hit with both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers. The use of frozen meatballs means minimal prep, so you can set it and forget it. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also packed with flavor, ensuring that everyone at the dinner table will leave with a satisfied smile. Plus, it’s a delightful choice for kids and adults alike—comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
“The Salisbury steak meatballs were a hit! Even my picky eater loved it. I’ll definitely make this again!” – Happy Home Cook
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Family-Friendly Comfort
This recipe is as straightforward as it gets! You’ll only need a few simple steps to prepare a delightful meal that cooks slowly and comes out rich and delicious. Get ready to enjoy tender meatballs enveloped in a savory gravy that pairs perfectly with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- 1 bag (26 oz) (about 30–35 meatballs) frozen meatballs
- 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
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tip: If you prefer homemade meatballs, feel free to swap in your favorite recipe or use a ground beef/ground turkey mixture for variation.
Directions
- Start by spraying the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.
- Carefully add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker insert.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, gently stirring to coat them.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your meal, consider pairing your Salisbury steak meatballs with fluffy mashed potatoes or al dente egg noodles, both of which soak up that delicious gravy beautifully. A side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad or creamy coleslaw, adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors. For an extra touch, consider some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of this scrumptious dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through.
Pro Tips
For an even richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or onions into the slow cooker at the start. If you want to save time on busy days, you can combine the sauce ingredients in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to use. This makes for a truly quick meal that’s packed with tasty goodness.
Variations
Get creative! You could use turkey or veggie meatballs for a lighter version of the dish. If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a spicy kick. Alternatively, replace the beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add even more flavor and freshness. Just make sure they are cooked through when you add them to the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for about 2.5 to 3 hours, but check the meatballs for doneness to be sure.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gravy mix and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Substitute any other sauces accordingly.
For more delicious slow-cooker recipes, check out [Slow Cooker Chili] and [Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew].
Print
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A heartwarming meal featuring seasoned beef meatballs simmered in rich gravy, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker insert.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, gently stirring to coat.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or onions. You can use homemade meatballs for enhanced flavor. To save time, combine sauce ingredients in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg