introduction
This slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe makes a rich, easy dinner with little work. It uses frozen meatballs and a simple gravy so you set it in the morning and come home to a warm meal. For more slow cooker ideas you might like slow cooker chicken dinners.
why make this recipe
This recipe is fast, low effort, and uses pantry mixes and frozen meatballs. It feeds a crowd, cleans up easy, and pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice. You get a comforting, gravy-covered main with almost no hands-on time.
how to make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Mix the broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker. Stir until smooth.
- Add the frozen meatballs and push them into the sauce so they are mostly covered. Stir gently to coat.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until meatballs are hot and tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir. Let it cook 10–15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side.
Ingredients :
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (see notes)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions :
Prepare the Meatball Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
Add the Meatballs:
Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the gravy mixture. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
Cook the Meatballs:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
Make the Gravy Thicker:
About 15 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve:
Once the gravy has thickened, serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
how to serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Serve the meatballs and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, plain rice, or buttered egg noodles. Add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a simple salad to balance the meal. Spoon extra gravy on the plate.
how to store Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Fridge: Cool fully, put in an airtight container, and store up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place in freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on low in a slow cooker, in a saucepan on the stove, or microwave until hot.
tips to make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Keep the meatballs frozen when you add them; no need to thaw.
- If your gravy is too thin, add the cornstarch slurry in small amounts until you like the thickness.
- Stir gently so meatballs do not break.
- Taste the sauce toward the end and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
- For richer flavor, use low-sodium beef broth and add a splash more Worcestershire if you like.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the slow cooker for more texture and flavor.
- Use homemade gravy instead of packet mixes for a less processed dish.
- Swap frozen beef meatballs for turkey or plant-based meatballs for a different option.
- Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamier gravy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
A: Yes. If using fresh or thawed meatballs, reduce cook time and check they are heated through. They may fall apart more easily, so handle gently.
Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Simmer the sauce in a large skillet, add meatballs, cover, and cook until heated through. Thicken with cornstarch slurry as needed.
Q: Can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
A: Yes. You can mix flour with a little cold water to make a paste, or simmer the sauce longer with the lid off to reduce it. Cornstarch gives a quick, clear thickening.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly after cooking?
A: Yes. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2–3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meatballs.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A rich and easy dinner featuring frozen meatballs in a savory gravy, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy mixture. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg