When you need a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect solution. Made with frozen meatballs, beef broth, and a simple mix of savory seasonings, this dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The meatballs slow cook in a delicious brown gravy sauce, creating a tender, juicy texture that is perfect when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. This recipe requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and frozen meatballs, you can create a dish that feels homemade and full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing the ingredients to meld together, infusing the meatballs with the savory gravy sauce. It’s an easy and convenient way to enjoy a classic Salisbury steak without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. The frozen meatballs take the hassle out of meal prep, while the savory gravy sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. The slow cooker makes it incredibly convenient by doing most of the work, allowing the flavors to develop as they cook. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even a side of veggies, the combination of rich gravy and tender meatballs is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s a meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)
Reduced-sodium beef broth
Brown gravy mix
Onion soup mix
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch
Cold water

Variations

Add Vegetables: Toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture. They’ll cook alongside the meatballs and soak up the savory sauce.
Switch Up the Meatballs: If you prefer homemade meatballs, you can easily swap out the frozen variety for your own recipe. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for a bit of heat.
Mushroom Gravy: For a richer, more savory gravy, you can add some sliced mushrooms to the sauce to create a mushroom gravy version of Salisbury steak.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the meatballs over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional mashed potatoes or rice for a low-carb alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs

Pour the gravy sauce mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. The meatballs will cook in the sauce and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to thicken the gravy.

Step 6: Serve

Once the meatballs are tender and the gravy is thickened, give everything a good stir and serve. These Salisbury steak meatballs go perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Reduced-Sodium Broth: To control the salt content in the dish, use reduced-sodium beef broth, especially if you’re using pre-packaged mixes like brown gravy and onion soup mix, which already contain salt.
Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more cornstarch. Just be sure to mix it with cold water first before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.
Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 3 hours. However, slow cooking on low for 6 hours will give the best results in terms of flavor and tenderness.
No Need to Thaw the Meatballs: You can add frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker—there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor or more ketchup for sweetness.

How to Serve

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. The classic choice is mashed potatoes, but they’re also delicious over rice, egg noodles, or even a bed of roasted vegetables. You can garnish the dish with fresh parsley or extra Worcestershire sauce for an added touch. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs and gravy will continue to develop flavor as they sit, so they make for excellent leftovers.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a bit more broth to loosen the gravy as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs, but make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch if you prefer a thinner gravy, or you can substitute it with flour to thicken the sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth, but it will alter the flavor of the dish slightly.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the meatballs for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can cook the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then make the gravy separately on the stove and combine.

6. Can I use a homemade gravy mix?

Yes, you can use your own homemade gravy or sauce instead of the packaged mixes for a more personalized flavor.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

8. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add a little more cornstarch, or let the sauce cook uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

10. How do I make the gravy more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the gravy, try adding a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of mustard, or a little more Worcestershire sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect meal for busy days when you want something comforting and satisfying with minimal effort. With tender meatballs, a savory gravy, and a few simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner solution, this recipe is convenient, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy it with your favorite side, and don’t forget to scoop up all that delicious gravy!