Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatball Recipe for Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty slow cooker Salisbury steak meatball recipe that promises to melt away your dinner stress.

Tender, juicy meatballs swim in a rich, savory gravy that begs to be spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of home-cooked Sunday suppers.

These meatballs pack incredible flavor from simple ingredients blended with care and precision.

The slow cooker works its magic, transforming basic components into a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and satisfying.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create this crowd-pleasing classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-made beef meatballs that make this recipe quick and convenient.
• Homemade Meatballs: Fresh meatballs can be used as an alternative to frozen ones.

• Beef Broth, Gravy Mix, Onion Soup Mix: Provides a rich and savory base for the sauce.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Cornstarch, Cold Water: Creates a slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a perfect consistency.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright color and fresh herb note to the final dish.
• Egg Noodles, Mashed Potatoes: Delicious base options for serving the Salisbury steak meatballs.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.

How to Cook Salisbury Steak in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

This simple trick will make cleaning up a breeze and prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Add Meatballs

Drop your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.

They can go in straight from the freezer – no thawing required.

If you’re using homemade meatballs, consider giving them a quick brown first for extra flavor.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

• Beef broth
• Gravy mix
• Onion soup mix
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Pour this flavor explosion right over the meatballs.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on LOW heat for 5-6 hours.

This slow cooking allows the meatballs to soak up all those incredible sauce flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry.

Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop those delectable meatballs and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Dinner is served and ready to be devoured!

Expert Tips for Tender Steak Meatballs

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, flavorful gravy that coats the meatballs evenly.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Use frozen meatballs to keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
• Create a cornstarch slurry with cold water to thicken the sauce without creating lumps, giving a silky smooth consistency.
• Swap beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Meatballs Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the meatballs are completely covered in sauce to maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour meatballs and sauce into a skillet. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce appears too thick, helping to restore original consistency and prevent sticking.

Sides That Go Great with Salisbury Meatballs

• Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food combination by serving the Salisbury steak meatballs over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the rich, savory gravy perfectly.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to match the hearty meat flavors, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Brighten with Fresh Green Salad: Add a crisp, light garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, meaty dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich gravy and tender meatballs.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips to add nutrition and a caramelized depth that complements the savory meatballs.

Meatball Recipe Swaps to Try

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace beef broth with gluten-free beef broth and use cornstarch-based gravy mix to eliminate gluten while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Choose reduced-sodium beef broth and onion soup mix. Skip added salt and use herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste without increasing sodium content.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace traditional meatballs with homemade almond flour and ground beef meatballs. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.

FAQs

• Are frozen meatballs better for this recipe?

Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly and save time. They cook evenly in the slow cooker and absorb the sauce beautifully without needing to be thawed first.

• Can I make this recipe without onion soup mix?

While the onion soup mix adds great flavor, you can substitute it with minced fresh onions and a pinch of garlic powder. The key is maintaining the savory profile of the sauce.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. In a slow cooker, this typically happens after 5-6 hours on LOW setting, ensuring they’re thoroughly heated and tender.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like frozen meatballs, pantry staples, and simple seasonings. It’s a cost-effective meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Why Salisbury Meatballs Are a Comfort Food Win

• Frozen meatballs and quick-mix sauce make this recipe incredibly easy to throw together with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Slow cooker method allows you to walk away and let the appliance do all the work, perfect for busy families or anyone wanting a stress-free meal.
• Rich, savory sauce and tender meatballs deliver classic comfort food vibes that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table, from kids to adults.
• Easily adaptable to serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a flexible meal that can match any side dish preference.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatball Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs elevate comfort food with rich, savory gravy and tender beef. Packed with classic flavors, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Proteins:

• 1 bag (26 ounces/737 grams) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cold water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by generously coating the insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleaning.
2. Place frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker without thawing; if using homemade uncooked meatballs, consider browning them first for enhanced flavor.
3. Create the sauce by whisking beef broth, gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl until completely smooth and well-integrated.
4. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing meatballs to absorb the rich, savory flavors.
6. Towards the end of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until completely dissolved.
7. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, which will naturally thicken the gravy to a desired consistency.
8. Once cooking is complete, plate the meatballs and gravy over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Make homemade meatballs for a fresher, more personalized touch that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Brown store-bought or homemade meatballs before slow cooking to develop a deeper, richer caramelized exterior and enhance overall taste.
• Consider using low-sodium broth and gravy mix to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this classic comfort meal.
• Swap traditional beef meatballs with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary restrictions or to reduce calorie and fat content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg