Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food known for its rich, savory flavors. But what if you could enjoy this beloved dish with minimal prep and time? Enter the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Using frozen meatballs as a shortcut, this recipe takes the hassle out of creating the perfect Salisbury steak while still delivering all the flavor you love. The meatballs are simmered in a delicious, savory gravy made with beef broth, onion soup mix, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to relax or tend to other tasks while the meal cooks. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, these Salisbury steak meatballs are a crowd-pleasing dish that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s both easy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep Time

With frozen meatballs as the base, you can have this dish cooking in your slow cooker in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

2. Savory and Flavorful Gravy

The combination of beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich and flavorful gravy that coats the meatballs perfectly, adding all the classic Salisbury steak flavors you love.

3. Hands-Off Cooking

Once you set it, you can forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day while the meatballs cook and absorb the delicious gravy.

4. Family-Friendly

Everyone in the family will love this dish. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the rich gravy is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

5. Versatile Meal

This dish can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It’s incredibly versatile, making it the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy meal for guests.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs, 26 oz bag)
Reduced-sodium beef broth
Brown gravy mix
Onion soup mix
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch
Cold water

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brown gravy mix and onion soup mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add Vegetables: To make this dish more hearty, consider adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. Simply toss them in with the meatballs for the last hour of cooking.
Make it Spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the gravy for a spicy kick.
Add Garlic: For extra flavor, consider adding a few cloves of minced garlic to the gravy mixture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.

Step 2: Mix Gravy Sauce

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

Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Meatballs

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

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. The meatballs will become tender, and the sauce will thicken and flavor the meatballs.

Step 5: Thicken Gravy (Optional)

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Let it cook for the final 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, give everything a good stir. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a convenient time-saver for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Customize the Gravy: Adjust the flavor of the gravy by adding more Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or even a little bit of mustard if you like a tangy twist.
Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more cornstarch and cold water, but be sure to add it gradually to avoid over-thickening.
Make it Ahead of Time: You can prep this dish the night before by placing the frozen meatballs and gravy ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerating it overnight. In the morning, just cook it on low for 6 hours.

How to Serve

These Salisbury steak meatballs are versatile and can be served over a variety of sides. For a classic option, serve them over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy. Alternatively, serve them over cooked rice or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal. Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra broth if the gravy has thickened too much during freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and gravy in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. You may need to cook them for 4-5 hours instead of 6.

2. Can I make this recipe without the gravy mix?

Yes, you can make the gravy from scratch using beef broth, flour, and seasonings, though the pre-made gravy mix saves time and adds flavor.

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

Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then naturally release the pressure. You can also use the sauté function to make the gravy before adding the meatballs.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or mushrooms are great additions to the dish. Add them in during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.

5. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth, but beef broth provides the best flavor for this recipe.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix. However, you can use gluten-free versions of these mixes to make it gluten-free.

7. Can I use turkey meatballs instead of beef?

Yes, turkey meatballs can be used for a lighter version of this dish, though the flavor may be slightly different.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just start the slow cooker in the morning to cook it through.

9. How do I make the gravy thicker?

To thicken the gravy, you can add more cornstarch mixed with cold water, or let the gravy cook uncovered for a bit to reduce and thicken.

10. Can I serve this dish with other sides?

Yes, Salisbury steak meatballs go well with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is an easy, comforting, and delicious dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With the help of frozen meatballs, this recipe comes together quickly and cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, leaving you with tender meatballs and a rich, savory gravy. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for busy nights or casual family dinners. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the classic comfort of Salisbury steak with a convenient twist!