If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs soaking up a rich, savory gravy made with beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix—all slow-cooked to perfection. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its deep, satisfying flavors but also how effortlessly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple at your table in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Salisbury steak meatballs. From the savory frozen meatballs acting as the star to the mix of broths and seasonings that deliver that unmistakable taste, you’ll appreciate how well these pantry items come together.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz): Pre-made tender meatballs save time and soak up all the rich sauce beautifully.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds a deep umami flavor and ensures the dish isn’t too salty.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Creates that perfectly thick, luscious gravy coating each meatball.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Infuses the dish with a sweet and savory depth that complements the beef so well.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness and helps balance flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle, smoky complexity to the gravy base.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce into a rich, velvety finish.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Combined with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by placing your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker—no thawing needed! This convenience means less prep time and more time to look forward to a delicious meal.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This simple step ensures your gravy will be silky and full of flavor, perfectly coating your meatballs.
Step 3: Pour and Coat
Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, then gently stir to make sure every meatball is covered in the rich sauce. This step sets the stage for the magic that happens in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the meatballs absorb the savory gravy and become incredibly tender—something only slow cooking can do so well.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
When your time is almost up, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Cook for another 30 minutes uncovered to thicken the sauce into a perfectly rich and glossy gravy.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is done once the gravy has thickened and the meatballs are heated through. All that’s left is to garnish and enjoy!
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just pretty—it adds a pop of color and a hint of mild freshness that balances out the richness of the gravy beautifully, making every bite feel well-rounded and inviting.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots bring in some vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that contrasts the savory meatballs nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve the meatballs on toasted sandwich buns with melted cheese for a Salisbury steak meatball sub. Or turn this into a hearty breakfast hash by mixing leftover meatballs with fried potatoes and eggs. The versatility of this recipe makes every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Separate the meatballs and sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. It’s a lifesaver for busy days when you want a comforting dinner waiting for you.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and the meatballs tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will work just as well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen meatballs typically take longer to heat through.
Is there a way to make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
Yes! You can use flour as an alternative thickener, but mix it with cold water to form a slurry to avoid lumps, just like with cornstarch.
Can I prepare this recipe on high in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the meatballs don’t dry out and the gravy doesn’t get too thick.
Will this recipe work with turkey or chicken meatballs?
Definitely! Using turkey or chicken meatballs will lighten the dish, and the savory gravy will keep it flavorful. Just monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix if I don’t have it?
You can substitute with a blend of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, garlic powder, and a pinch of herbs like thyme or parsley to mimic the flavor of the mix.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a warm pot of Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table with its tender meatballs and savory, comforting gravy—a true classic with a convenient twist. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to make a hearty, delicious meal that feels homemade and special every single time.
Print
Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make recipe featuring frozen meatballs cooked in a rich, savory brown gravy with onion soup mix, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (26 oz) 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
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Gravy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and tender.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate and allow the gravy to thicken during the remaining cooking time.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cooking is complete and the gravy is thickened, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over your preferred sides such as mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, do not thaw the meatballs before placing them in the slow cooker.
- You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- The gravy can be thickened further by adding an additional teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if desired.
- These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Leftover meatballs and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
