Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect recipe for anyone craving a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The combination of juicy meatballs and a rich, savory gravy makes this dish a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re pressed for time on a busy weeknight or hosting a cozy family gathering, this dish comes together effortlessly and leaves everyone satisfied. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—there’s no need to thaw the meatballs. Just pop them into the slow cooker with some pantry staples, and let the magic happen! Serve this comforting meal over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and enjoy a flavorful dish that’s sure to please.
The savory gravy adds depth and richness to the dish, while the frozen meatballs offer unbeatable convenience. Whether you’re in a rush or just looking for an easy yet hearty dinner, this recipe will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Convenience: Using frozen meatballs cuts down on prep time, making this recipe ideal for busy days.
- Comfort Food Favorite: The savory brown gravy pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs, offering a warm and satisfying meal.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a customizable meal to suit any taste.
- Family-Friendly: Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients Overview
- Frozen Meatballs: Choose from homestyle, Italian, turkey, or plant-based meatballs for a convenient and flavorful base.
- Beef Broth: Full-salt beef broth adds richness and depth to the gravy.
- Seasoning Packets: Brown gravy mix and onion soup mix provide the necessary flavor for a robust gravy.
- Ketchup & Worcestershire Sauce: These pantry essentials offer the perfect balance of tang and savoriness.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the gravy to a velvety consistency, ensuring it coats the meatballs perfectly.
How to Make the Recipe
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. This will make cleaning up afterward much easier. Make sure the coating is even, covering the bottom and sides. This step ensures a smooth cooking process.
Add Frozen Meatballs:
Take the frozen meatballs and place them directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them first, which saves time and effort. Arrange them evenly in the slow cooker for even cooking. You can use any type of frozen meatballs you prefer.
Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the ingredients until smooth and well combined. This will form the base for your flavorful gravy. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
Combine Sauce and Meatballs:
Pour the prepared sauce over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all the meatballs are coated evenly with the gravy. Make sure the sauce covers most of the meatballs for uniform flavor. This step helps the meatballs absorb the rich sauce.
Cook on Low:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. The slow cooking process helps the meatballs become tender and soak up the flavors of the gravy. Don’t open the lid during cooking to maintain the temperature. Check toward the end to ensure they are cooked through.
Thicken the Gravy:
Once the meatballs are cooked, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This will thicken the gravy to a smooth, velvety consistency. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid any clumping in the sauce.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Choose Quality Meatballs: Opt for meatballs with minimal fillers to ensure a better flavor and texture.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to elevate the gravy’s flavor.
- Gravy Consistency: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to your liking—more cornstarch for thicker gravy, less for thinner.
- Don’t Skip the Spray: Nonstick cooking spray ensures that nothing sticks to the slow cooker, making cleanup easier.
Variations to Try
- Turkey Meatballs: For a lighter version, swap in lean turkey meatballs.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the gravy for an herbaceous touch.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium broth and seasoning packets to make a lower-sodium alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Prepare around 30 small meatballs, ensuring they’re roughly the same size as frozen ones for even cooking. - Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No, there’s no need to thaw the meatballs—just add them frozen directly to the slow cooker. - What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
All-purpose flour or arrowroot powder can be used in place of cornstarch. Be sure to mix them with cold water before adding to the slow cooker. - How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover Salisbury steak meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing all the work, it’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe is versatile and convenient, making it a go-to for busy households. The rich gravy and tender meatballs will have everyone asking for seconds, and the best part is it requires very little hands-on time. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for delicious meals that don’t require much effort.
Next time you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe will be your go-to. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with your family! For more delicious recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest at Wendy Recipes
