If you’re longing for a comforting, hearty dinner that practically makes itself, you have got to try this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It transforms simple frozen meatballs into a luscious, rich meal simmered in a savory brown gravy with a hint of tangy Worcestershire and ketchup, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with homey aromas and invites everyone to gather around the table, promising warm, satisfying bites every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, building layers of flavor and texture that result in a truly delicious meal without any fuss.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz): The star of the dish, these save time while still delivering satisfying beefy bites.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and richness without overpowering the savory notes.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Builds the base of that luscious gravy we all crave.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Infuses the dish with a subtle savory sweetness and complexity.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Provides a gentle tang and slight sweetness that balances the beef perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a punch of umami that enriches the overall flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Essential for creating a thick, velvety gravy.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Used to mix with cornstarch, ensuring a smooth slurry for the perfect sauce consistency.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
Begin by combining the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce right in the slow cooker. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth, hearty gravy base that will envelop every meatball in flavor.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, pour the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and toss them gently to coat each one evenly with the savory gravy mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with that signature Salisbury Steak taste.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, or if you’re pressed for time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow simmer infuses the meatballs with the rich gravy flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, then let the sauce thicken gently. This final step gives you that perfectly velvety gravy that clings to the meatballs just right.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give everything a final stir, then dish out your Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot from the slow cooker. Get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it took hours of effort, but didn’t!
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your plate and add a fresh contrast to the rich meatballs. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top—they brighten up the dish visually and add a subtle herbal note that complements the gravy perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that luscious gravy. You can also serve it alongside steamed rice or buttered egg noodles if you want a little variety or prefer a different texture on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Turn this dish into a hearty sandwich by piling the meatballs on a toasted bun and draping extra gravy like a sauce. Or serve the meatballs atop a bed of buttery roasted vegetables for a wholesome, veggie-packed meal that still delivers on comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making this recipe a great candidate for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Salisbury Steak Meatballs by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to get out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs and gravy are warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover loosely to keep the meatballs moist and prevent splatters.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! While frozen meatballs are convenient, homemade meatballs add a personalized touch and flavor. Just brown them first before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they hold together and develop that rich savory taste.
Is it necessary to use both brown gravy mix and onion soup mix?
Each mix adds unique elements to the dish—the brown gravy mix creates the base sauce, while the onion soup mix contributes extra seasoning and umami depth. Together, they perfect the signature flavor of this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Use the sauté function first to combine the gravy ingredients, then add meatballs and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to thicken the sauce afterward by mixing cornstarch with water and using the sauté mode again.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce if I don’t have any?
A mix of soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar makes a great substitute if you’re out of Worcestershire sauce. It still imparts that savory depth and slight tang that’s essential to the dish.
How thick should the gravy be when the dish is finished?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. This consistency helps it cling nicely to the meatballs and soak into your sides, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a wonderful blend of convenience and deliciousness that never fails to impress. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry family, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that fills the home with warmth and good vibes. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food.
Print
Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 30 minutes (on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 35 minutes (on high)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe combines frozen meatballs with a savory homemade gravy, cooked low and slow to create a comforting, hearty dish perfect for an easy dinner. The gravy features beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, thickened at the end with a cornstarch slurry.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy
- 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
- Prepare the Gravy: In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and coat them thoroughly with the gravy mixture, ensuring each meatball is covered for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the meatballs and melds the flavors beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy, stirring gently to avoid lumps and allowing the sauce to achieve a rich consistency.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked, stir everything together one last time. Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs if preferred.
- For a thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry in well to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and reheats well.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
