Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for comfort food that practically makes itself and tastes like it came from a family kitchen, then Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are your new best friend. This dish combines the hearty goodness of tender meatballs with rich, savory gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection so every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a humble, cozy meal that welcomes you home and warms your soul — and the best part is how easy it is to pop everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you go about your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building up the delicious layers of flavor and perfect texture in your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. From the savory beef broth to the tangy ketchup and the hearty meatballs themselves, every component is essential for hitting that classic Salisbury steak vibe with a twist.

• Frozen meatballs (26 oz, about 30–35): The star protein that keeps this recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the gravy while keeping sodium in check.
• Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Provides that signature silky, savory sauce which coats every meatball beautifully.
• Onion soup mix (1 packet): Brings layers of umami and aromatic onion flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Introduces a gentle tang and subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements perfectly.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses a deep, complex flavor that elevates the gravy to restaurant-quality status.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy for a luscious finish that clings to every meatball.
• Cold water (2 tablespoons): Used to create a smooth slurry that helps thicken the sauce evenly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker insert a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step prevents your meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after you enjoy the delicious meal.

Step 2: Add Meatballs to the Slow Cooker

Pour the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them—this saves time and ensures they’ll stay tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture is the heart of your flavorful gravy, blending savory, sweet, and tangy elements that will soak into the meatballs beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Pour the sauce over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, then gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the delicious gravy ingredients.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking lets the meatballs absorb all those amazing flavors and become irresistibly tender.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

About 10 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook uncovered for the remaining time. This final step thickens the gravy to just the right silky consistency.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich gravy sauce. Feel free to add a dash of black pepper if you like a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

These meatballs taste best served over creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, perfect for soaking up every drop of the luscious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also complement the dish with their natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress family or friends, try serving the meatballs on a bed of fluffy cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist or pile them into soft dinner rolls for savory meatball sliders. The Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are flexible enough to fit any mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually become more developed overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs by transferring them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ideal for meal prepping or quick dinners on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through and juicy once again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully and add a personal touch, though be sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use both brown gravy mix and onion soup mix?

Both blends create a rich and savory sauce that feels authentic to Salisbury steak. You can adjust the amounts or omit one, but combining them gives a balanced, robust gravy.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

You can adapt the recipe by using the sauté function to brown the meatballs first and then pressure cooking for about 10 minutes with the sauce. Be sure to use a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the gravy.

What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?

Flour or arrowroot powder can be used as alternatives to cornstarch; just mix it with cold water before stirring into the sauce to avoid lumps.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out in the slow cooker?

Cooking the meatballs covered on LOW heat helps retain moisture, and the rich gravy basting throughout ensures they stay juicy and tender every time.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a cozy, satisfying dish that’s effortlessly simple yet utterly delicious, give Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs a chance to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or anytime you want comfort food done right. So grab that slow cooker, and let this recipe show you just how easy and rewarding home-cooked can be.

Print