Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs)

Salisbury steak is a comforting classic, and when you combine it with the ease of a slow cooker and frozen meatballs, it becomes an effortless weeknight dinner. These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs offer a deliciously savory gravy and tender meatballs that soak up all the rich flavors. The best part? It requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy families or those who want a satisfying meal without much effort.

With just a few pantry staples, including brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and beef broth, you can create a rich and hearty dish that tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a bed of pasta, these slow-cooked meatballs are sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking

Using frozen meatballs means you can skip the time-consuming step of making meatballs from scratch. Just throw everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

The rich, savory gravy and tender meatballs provide the ultimate comfort food experience, perfect for cold nights or when you need a hearty meal.

3. Minimal Prep Time

With just a few ingredients and zero need for browning the meatballs beforehand, this recipe is quick to assemble.

4. Family-Friendly

This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing option for family dinners.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

this RECIPE

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 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

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker for more depth of flavor and added nutrition.
• Swap the Gravy: If you prefer a different type of gravy, you can use chicken gravy mix or even make your own from scratch.
• Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give the dish a little kick if you like heat.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the gravy mix and soup mix for gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. The meatballs will absorb all the savory flavors, and the sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.

Step 3: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. This will thicken the gravy and make it even more luxurious.

Step 4: Serve

Once the meatballs are tender and the gravy has thickened, stir everything together and serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: To keep the dish from being too salty, opt for reduced-sodium beef broth.
• Stir Occasionally: If you’re home while the meatballs are cooking, give them a gentle stir once or twice to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Thicken to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more cornstarch mixed with water in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How to Serve

These Salisbury steak meatballs are traditionally served over mashed potatoes, but they also pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can even serve them on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic bread for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the gravy smooth.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent the gravy from drying out.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs in place of frozen ones. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I cook this on high heat in less time?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 3 hours instead of 6 hours on low.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.

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

Yes, you can use regular beef broth, but the dish may be a bit saltier. You can adjust the salt level in the gravy mix accordingly.

5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add mushrooms, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker along with the meatballs for added flavor.

6. What can I serve this with?

This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but it also goes well with rice, pasta, or even steamed vegetables.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just cook it the next day on the set heat.

8. Is the gravy mix necessary?

The gravy mix adds convenience and flavor, but you can make your own gravy if preferred by thickening beef broth with flour or cornstarch.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the onion soup mix and gravy mix with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish gluten-free.

10. Can I use a different type of meatballs?

Yes, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs as a leaner alternative to beef meatballs.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate in convenience and comfort. With minimal effort, you’ll have a savory, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it for a special gathering, this dish will be a hit. The tender meatballs and rich, flavorful gravy are sure to impress everyone at the table. Try it today for an easy, delicious meal!

Print