Slow cooker meals have always been a favorite for busy households, and the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is no exception. This savory dish combines tender, juicy meatballs in a rich and flavorful gravy, giving you a comforting meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, home-cooked dinner without much fuss, this recipe uses frozen meatballs to cut down on prep time while still delivering incredible taste. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking, so you can focus on other things or relax after a long day. The hearty gravy, packed with flavors from beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix, coats each meatball, making every bite mouthwatering. Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual gathering, these Salisbury steak meatballs are sure to become a go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy and Quick Preparation

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

Tender meatballs in a rich, savory gravy offer the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, ideal for those cozy nights when you’re craving a homey meal.

3. Versatile Meal

This dish can be paired with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

4. Family-Friendly

The whole family will love this easy-to-make dish, from the youngest to the oldest. It’s a great way to get everyone around the table enjoying a hearty meal.

5. Great for Leftovers

This recipe keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying again the next day.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs
Reduced-sodium beef broth
Brown gravy mix
Onion soup mix
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce

Cornstarch Slurry

Cornstarch
Cold water

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meatballs for plant-based meatballs to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to give the dish a little kick.
Creamy Gravy: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream into the gravy for a richer, creamier texture.
Mushroom Add-In: For extra flavor and texture, add a handful of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the meatballs.
Add Veggies: Throw in some frozen peas or carrots to the slow cooker to make it a one-pot meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by adding the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to thaw them—just add them straight from the freezer.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Meatballs

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The meatballs will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

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

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are a huge time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe. If you use homemade meatballs, make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a bit more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner gravy, add a little more broth.
Cook Time: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook this on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow yields the best flavor.
Flavor Boost: To make the gravy even more flavorful, you can sauté some garlic and onions before adding them to the slow cooker.

How to Serve

Serve these Salisbury steak meatballs with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The rich gravy is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or biscuits. If you want a complete meal, add a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad to balance out the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

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

Yes, but make sure the meatballs are cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or omit it entirely if needed.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or mushrooms make great additions.

4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cooking on high will take about 2-3 hours, but low and slow is the best method for tender meatballs.

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

Yes, but keep in mind that it may make the dish saltier, especially with the gravy mix and soup mix.

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

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors, like mushroom or onion gravy mix, for a different twist.

7. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

You can add more cornstarch slurry or simmer the gravy uncovered for a while to reduce it.

8. Can I use ground beef to make my own meatballs?

Yes, but remember to form them into meatballs and brown them first before placing them in the slow cooker.

9. Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it on the stove by simmering the meatballs and sauce in a large pot until heated through and thickened.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, the meatballs and gravy freeze very well. Just make sure to cool them before freezing and reheat them properly.

Conclusion

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep time and a rich, flavorful gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this dish will become a go-to favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and savor every bite of this easy, hearty dinner.