If you are craving a comfort food classic with a delightful twist, let me introduce you to this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the rich flavors of Salisbury steak, but with the ease and convenience of meatballs cooked low and slow in a luscious, savory gravy. This dish brings together tender meatballs swimming in a beefy, onion-infused sauce that will have your home smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s an absolute winner for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, soul-satisfying meal without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that deep, comforting flavor and perfect texture. From the savory meatballs to the rich broth and seasoning mix, every component is simple yet essential in making this dish shine.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz bag): Using pre-made meatballs cuts down prep time and ensures uniform cooking.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Provides a rich, beefy base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Adds thick, velvety texture and classic gravy flavor.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Brings a savory depth with hints of herbs and onions.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Balances the gravy with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a tangy umami boost that elevates the overall flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the cornstarch without clumping.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
Start by combining the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce directly in your slow cooker. Give it a good stir until all the dry mixes dissolve and the ingredients are fully incorporated. This savory gravy base sets the tone for the entire dish, so mixing it well is key to building fantastic flavor.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, gently add the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. No need to thaw them beforehand—the slow cooker will work its magic as they cook. Toss the meatballs in the gravy, making sure each one is generously coated. This ensures they soak up all that delicious sauce as they cook low and slow.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook the meatballs on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can opt for the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours instead. The key here is slow, gentle cooking, which melds all the flavors wonderfully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy without falling apart.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry—a perfect trick to thicken sauces without lumps. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and let the gravy thicken and become glossy. This step transforms the sauce into that irresistibly rich and silky coating that clings lovingly to each meatball.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your gravy has thickened to your liking, give everything a final stir to combine those sumptuous flavors. Your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is now ready to be served warm with your favorite side dishes. Get ready to dig into a plate full of cozy, meaty goodness!
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish, adding a pop of color and a hit of freshness. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the meatballs. They brighten the presentation and add a mild herbal note that balances the savory richness beautifully. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of extra Worcestershire sauce can also personalize each plate.
Side Dishes
The meaty, saucy meatballs deserve sides that soak up all that gravy goodness. Classic mashed potatoes are a natural partner, giving you a creamy base for spooning up the sauce. Egg noodles or fluffy white rice also work wonderfully, as do roasted vegetables or steamed green beans for a fresh contrast. Pick whichever sides make your heart happiest!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving these Salisbury steak meatballs as sliders on mini buns for a fun appetizer or party snack. You can also layer them over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb twist. For an impressive dinner, plate them alongside a crisp salad and crusty bread to sop up all the delicious gravy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury steak meatballs taste just as good the next day, making them perfect for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the meatballs are fully cooled before refrigerating to preserve optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save the leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the meatballs and gravy into a freezer-safe container with some extra sauce to prevent drying out. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much while stored to restore that perfect silky texture. Avoid overheating to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully here and add a personal touch. Just make sure they are fully cooked or browned before adding them to the slow cooker, as frozen meatballs in this recipe rely on slow cooking to heat through.
Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with cornstarch?
Thickening the sauce helps give it that classic Salisbury steak gravy texture, but if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step or simply reduce the gravy by cooking uncovered for a bit longer.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to prepare the gravy and then pressure cooking the meatballs for about 15 minutes. Just remember to use the sauté mode to thicken the sauce at the end.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting with no added heat, making it suitable for all ages. If you like, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a little kick.
What can I use as a substitute for beef broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a similar umami flavor, but beef broth provides the most authentic savory depth for this dish.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug in food form. It’s comforting, fuss-free, and packed with flavor that feels like home. Whether you’re feeding your family or want an easy meal that impresses, this recipe delivers every time. Roll up your sleeves, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes on low or 3 hours 10 minutes on high
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal made easy by using frozen meatballs cooked slowly in a rich gravy sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, these meatballs simmer in a savory blend of beef broth, gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, yielding a deliciously tender and savory main dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy Sauce
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening Slurry
- 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 to create a flavorful base.
- Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and coat them thoroughly in the prepared gravy mixture, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatballs on low heat for 6-7 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy, giving it a nice, hearty consistency.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened, stir the meatballs and sauce well. Serve hot with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, do not thaw the frozen meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.
- You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by modifying the amount of cornstarch slurry added.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until heated through.
