Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

When you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe has you covered. This dish takes the classic Salisbury steak and gives it a twist by turning it into tender, savory meatballs simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. The best part? It all comes together in your slow cooker, making it the perfect hands-off dinner for busy days or weekend family meals. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

With a handful of ingredients, including frozen meatballs, beef broth, and simple seasonings, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the cornstarch slurry thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy and Convenient

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker means minimal prep and hands-on time, making it perfect for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

2. Rich, Flavorful Gravy

The combination of beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deliciously savory gravy that enhances the meatballs and complements whatever side you serve it with.

3. Tender, Juicy Meatballs

The slow cooking process ensures the meatballs stay tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the gravy while becoming perfectly cooked.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is great for meal prepping since it holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily. You can make a large batch and enjoy it over several days.

5. Versatile Side Options

Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even a simple side of steamed vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with just about anything!

Ingredients

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

Cornstarch Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Variations

• Homemade Meatballs: If you prefer homemade meatballs, you can easily substitute the frozen meatballs with your own homemade version. Just ensure they’re cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the savory gravy.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meatballs if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative while keeping the same rich flavor in the gravy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. No need to thaw them—they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

In a bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to dissolve the gravy mix and blend the ingredients together.

Step 3: Pour the Gravy Over the Meatballs

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure the meatballs are well-coated.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and there are no lumps.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Spoon the rich gravy over the meatballs for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Reduced-Sodium Broth: Opting for reduced-sodium beef broth helps control the salt content, especially when you’re using packaged gravy and soup mixes.
• Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: Since the meatballs are already cooked, you just need to heat them through in the slow cooker. Overcooking them can cause them to become tough.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more cornstarch slurry. If you like a thinner gravy, reduce the amount of cornstarch or add more beef broth.
• Make It Ahead: This recipe is great for preparing in advance. Simply store the cooked meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs with classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a full, hearty meal. They also pair well with steamed vegetables, like green beans or peas, to add some freshness and color to your plate. For a comfort-food twist, serve with buttery rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and gravy back into the slow cooker on low for 30-45 minutes, or heat them on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs in this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes and then combine them with the gravy ingredients. Simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

3. Can I use regular beef broth instead of reduced-sodium?

Yes, you can, but be mindful of the added salt from the gravy mix and onion soup mix. You may want to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef meatballs?

You can substitute turkey or chicken meatballs, but the flavor will be a bit different. The gravy will still be delicious with either option.

5. How do I make the gravy thicker?

If you want thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry, or simmer the gravy uncovered for a few extra minutes.

6. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes! You can add diced onions, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and texture.

7. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

8. What’s the best side dish to serve with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are perfect sides. You can also serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables.

9. Can I use a different type of gravy mix?

Yes, you can substitute brown gravy mix with a mushroom or other gravy mix if you prefer.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and cook as directed. You may need to increase the slow cooking time slightly, depending on the amount.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is the epitome of comfort food—tender meatballs in a savory gravy that’s simple to make and utterly satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to develop and the meatballs to cook to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!

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