Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight, look no further than this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe. Combining frozen meatballs with savory beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix, this recipe is a simple yet flavorful twist on classic Salisbury steak. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, creating tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich gravy.

This dish is perfect for those who want a delicious, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The meatballs cook in a savory broth that infuses them with rich flavors, and the gravy created from the broth is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making dinner for the family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, requires just a few ingredients, and can be set to cook while you go about your day. The frozen meatballs make it incredibly convenient, and the slow cooker ensures that the meatballs become tender and absorb all the rich flavors from the broth and gravy. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup gives the dish a unique tang and sweetness, while the cornstarch slurry thickens the gravy to a perfect consistency. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, making it a versatile dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:

• 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

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Variations

1. Make It From Scratch: You can substitute the frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs if you prefer. Simply make your favorite meatball recipe, shape them into bite-sized balls, and follow the rest of the recipe.
2. Spicy Twist: Add a little heat by incorporating some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the gravy mix for an extra kick.
3. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meatballs to make this a vegetarian dish while still enjoying the rich flavors of the gravy.
4. Mushrooms: For a savory twist, add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for additional flavor and texture.
5. Herbs and Seasonings: You can add some garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.

Step 2: Pour Over Meatballs

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring that the meatballs are well coated.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

Once the gravy has thickened, serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Reduced-Sodium Broth: Using reduced-sodium beef broth helps to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always adjust the seasoning later to taste.
2. Thicken the Gravy to Taste: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry and allow it to cook for a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a little extra broth to thin it out.
3. Slow Cooker Time: Every slow cooker is different, so make sure to check the meatballs after about 4 hours of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook. The meatballs should be tender and flavorful.
4. Add Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Serve

These Salisbury steak meatballs are perfect served over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food dish. They also pair wonderfully with rice, egg noodles, or even steamed vegetables. For a full meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the meal is cooked and cooled, store the leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy needs to be loosened up.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead of time or store leftovers for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a bit of extra broth or water if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the gravy stays smooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs in place of frozen. Just make sure to cook them through in the slow cooker.

2. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If the gravy isn’t thick enough for your liking, simply add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water (cornstarch slurry) and cook for 20-30 minutes until it thickens.

3. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a mixture of broth and water, but the flavor will vary slightly.

4. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot to make this dish. Use the sauté function to cook the meatballs and gravy ingredients for a few minutes, then set to slow cook or high pressure for 15 minutes.

5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or green beans can enhance the flavor of the dish and make it a more complete meal.

6. Can I use regular beef gravy mix instead of brown gravy mix?

Yes, you can use regular beef gravy mix, but brown gravy mix adds a slightly richer, deeper flavor that complements the meatballs.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because it contains onion soup mix and brown gravy mix, which typically contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free versions of these mixes to make it gluten-free.

8. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

10. Can I use other kinds of meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute the frozen meatballs with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy nights or when you need a simple yet flavorful dish. The rich, savory gravy and tender meatballs come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it a perfect go-to recipe for families. With minimal ingredients and little prep work, you can enjoy a hearty meal that feels like it took hours to prepare! Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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