Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Posted on July 15, 2025

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that many people cherish, often bringing back warm memories of family dinners or cozy evenings at home. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a busy day, only to be greeted by the rich aroma of beef and savory gravy wafting through the air. That’s exactly what you can expect when you make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.

This dish is not just about flavor; it’s about convenience, too. Picture this: a long day at work ends, and all you have to do is scoop some frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, toss in a few simple pantry staples, and let the magic happen. While it cooks slow and low, you can unwind or tackle other tasks, knowing a hearty meal awaits you. Whether you’re aiming to impress family, delight guests, or simply treat yourself, this recipe is a perfect option. With its tender meatballs enveloped in a rich, thick gravy, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is a fantastic recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. The preparation time is minimal, saving you valuable moments in your day. Simply dump your frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, mix a quick sauce, and let it do the rest.

Moreover, this dish is versatile. You can customize the flavors to suit your tastes and dietary needs; for instance, if you’re looking to cut back on sodium, you can opt for low-sodium broth or adjust seasoning levels as needed. It also works well with a variety of side dishes, whether you prefer fluffy mashed potatoes, soft egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Not to mention, it’s great for families, as everyone can ladle out their portion and enjoy it as they like. The heartfelt flavors and comfortable texture make this a true winner in any household.

How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

To make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you’ll need to start by gathering all the ingredients. It’s a simple list that includes frozen meatballs and a few pantry staples like beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and cold water.

Prepare the Slow Cooker: First, you’ll want to spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add the Meatballs: Dump the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand!
Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.
Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the frozen meatballs and gently stir everything together to ensure that the meatballs are coated.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Thicken the Gravy: When the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl using a fork to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot and allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Serve: The meatballs are now ready to be served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. You can add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color.

Ingredients

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

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Serving Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is as easy as pie! Once the meal is fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking, it’s time to decide how to enjoy it. The classic combination is to serve the meatballs over a generous helping of mashed potatoes. The fluffy potatoes soak up the savory gravy, making each bite creamy and full of flavor.

Another popular option is to serve it over egg noodles. The noodles add a lovely texture that complements the rich meatballs and creamy gravy wonderfully. You can also consider serving this dish with steamed green beans or a garden salad for a touch of freshness and contrast.

Don’t forget to garnish your dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home. Whichever way you choose to serve it, you’re bound to impress!

How to Store Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

If you find yourself with leftovers (though it can be hard to resist a second serving), you’ll be pleased to know that Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs stores well. Let the dish cool completely at room temperature, and then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, you can place it in the microwave for quick servings or reheat it on the stove over low heat to maintain the tenderness of the meatballs and the gravy. If you loved the flavors but want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish as well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as needed.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Quality Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, consider using homemade ones if you have the time. They can boost the flavor and add a personal touch to your dish.
Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced carrots or peas in the last hour of cooking. This will add color and texture, making your meal even more wholesome.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce as it cooks. If you prefer a bolder flavor, feel free to add some garlic powder, black pepper, or extra Worcestershire sauce.
Thickening Options: If you want a thicker gravy, you can double the cornstarch amount. Alternatively, you can use flour or even a roux if you prefer.
Serve with Bread: Offer some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side. They’re perfect for dipping into the rich gravy.

Variation

Salisbury Steak Meatballs can easily be adapted for various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations worth considering:

Healthy Twist: Substitute the frozen meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version. Use low-sodium broth and less ketchup for a healthier sauce.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little spice, include some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the sauce for a spicy twist.
Mushroom Gravy: For a twist, you can add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor. Use a mushroom gravy mix instead of brown gravy for added depth.
Italian Take: Incorporate Italian seasoning and add some marinara sauce instead of gravy for an Italian-inspired meal that pairs beautifully with pasta.
Asian Influence: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in place of gravy ingredients for a savory Asian twist. Serve with rice for a complete meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may not need the full 5-6 hours.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and check that the gravy mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and let it sit in the fridge. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove before serving.

4. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Just mix it with water the same way you do with cornstarch.

5. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
As long as you are using frozen meatballs and following the cooking time, they should be perfectly safe and cooked through. If using fresh meatballs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.