Craving a hearty, comforting meal but dreading the idea of spending hours in the kitchen? Let me introduce you to Salisbury steak meatballs—a dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. This recipe transforms frozen meatballs into a rich, savory masterpiece, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy.
The first time I made this dish, I was in a bind. My freezer was stocked with meatballs, but I was tired of the usual spaghetti-and-meatballs routine. I decided to get creative, and with a little experimenting, these Salisbury steak meatballs were born. My family couldn’t stop raving about the juicy meatballs smothered in luscious brown gravy, and now, it’s one of our most-requested meals.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to make these meatballs foolproof, share my tips for success, and even throw in some variations to suit different dietary needs. Trust me—once you try this recipe, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Salisbury Steak Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s a lifesaver for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Effortless to Make: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it. Let the slow cooker do the work while you tackle your to-do list.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce creates a gravy that’s bursting with savory depth.
Kid-Approved: The tender meatballs and creamy gravy are always a hit with kids and picky eaters.
Versatile: You can serve these meatballs in so many ways—over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even with a side of roasted vegetables.
Minimal Cleanup: One slow cooker and a mixing bowl—that’s it. Less time scrubbing dishes means more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably already have most of these items in your pantry or freezer:
- Frozen Meatballs: One 26 oz bag (about 30–35 meatballs). You can use beef, turkey, or plant-based options based on your preferences.
- Beef Broth: Two cups of reduced-sodium beef broth provide the base for the gravy.
- Brown Gravy Mix: One packet helps thicken the sauce and adds savory flavor.
- Onion Soup Mix: One packet for an extra layer of seasoning with onion goodness.
- Ketchup: Two tablespoons bring a subtle tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: One tablespoon enhances the umami notes and deepens the flavor of the gravy.
- Cornstarch and Water: Two tablespoons of each to thicken the gravy to a silky, luscious consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Salisbury steak meatballs couldn’t be easier, but I’ve included detailed instructions to ensure every step is a breeze.
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures the meatballs and sauce won’t stick, making cleanup even easier.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Pour the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them—they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour and Stir
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is coated. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the sauce evenly.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5–6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
About 10 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, cover it again, and let it cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gravy is thickened, your Salisbury steak meatballs are ready to serve! Dish them up over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~15g
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Meatballs: The better the meatballs, the better the dish. Look for high-quality frozen meatballs with simple ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch-water mixture is key to achieving a rich, glossy gravy.
- Add Veggies: For a complete one-pot meal, toss in chopped carrots, mushrooms, or green beans during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, or even a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is super versatile and can be adapted to suit different preferences:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for an ultra-creamy gravy.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free meatballs and gravy mix to cater to dietary restrictions.
How to Serve
These meatballs are a star on their own, but they really shine when paired with the right sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate pairing for soaking up all that gravy.
- Egg Noodles: The sauce clings perfectly to egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a simple yet delicious accompaniment.
- Roasted Veggies: Add a pop of color and freshness with roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if necessary.
FAQs
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs?
Yes, fresh meatballs work great in this recipe! Simply reduce the cooking time slightly.
Can I Cook This on HIGH?
Absolutely. Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, though the flavors develop better on LOW.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
You can use flour as a thickener. Mix it with a little water to avoid lumps.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and meatballs the night before and cook them the next day.
Conclusion
Salisbury steak meatballs are the definition of comfort food. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a flavorful, hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a no-fail option you’ll return to again and again.
Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your creations—I’d love to see how you made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
Print
Salisbury Steak Meatballs: A Slow Cooker Classic
- Total Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This Salisbury steak meatballs recipe is a fuss-free way to create a hearty, comforting dish. Juicy frozen meatballs slow-cooked in a rich, savory brown gravy—perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
- 26 oz frozen meatballs (about 30–35)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker. Cook an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For added flavor, include sautéed mushrooms or onions.
- Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for a twist.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American