Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a comforting and satisfying meal that brings all the rich, savory flavors of Salisbury steak in a convenient and easy-to-make form. This slow cooker version is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort. By using frozen meatballs as a shortcut, the recipe becomes incredibly simple, while the combination of beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and seasonings creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring each meatball is tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, savory gravy. Plus, with just a few ingredients and a couple of steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy without the stress of a complicated recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Salisbury Steak Meatball recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless and Convenient

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

The rich beef gravy with a slight tang from the Worcestershire sauce creates a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need something hearty and filling.

3. Minimal Prep Time

This recipe requires very little prep—just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it cook. It’s ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward meal.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a big batch, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can enjoy leftovers for several days, or freeze them for a later date.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Serve these Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a well-rounded meal. You can even pair them with vegetables or a side salad to balance things out.

Ingredients

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

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

Cornstarch Slurry

2 tablespoons cornstarch (see notes)
2 tablespoons cold water

Variations

Add Mushrooms: For an extra depth of flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. They will cook down and absorb the savory gravy, adding a delicious earthy flavor.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a little heat.
Veggie Addition: Toss in some frozen peas or carrots for an easy way to add more vegetables to the dish.
Use Fresh Meatballs: If you prefer homemade meatballs, you can use fresh ones instead of frozen, just be sure to cook them in the slow cooker long enough to fully heat through.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent the sauce from sticking.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure the meatballs are evenly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, until the meatballs are heated through and the gravy is rich and thick.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, stir the cornstarch slurry into the gravy to thicken it. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Once the gravy has thickened, serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Low-Sodium Options: If you want to reduce the salt content, be sure to use reduced-sodium beef broth and carefully monitor the amount of Worcestershire sauce and onion soup mix.
Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch slurry, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the meatballs, as they can become tough and dry. Stick to the recommended cook time for best results.
Use a Liner: For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.

How to Serve

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:

Mashed Potatoes: This is a classic pairing, as the rich gravy complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Rice or Noodles: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
Vegetables: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots for a well-rounded meal.
Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget some soft, warm dinner rolls to soak up any remaining gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Freezing

For longer storage, these meatballs freeze well. After they’ve cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in a skillet with some extra broth or water to keep the gravy moist, or reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute homemade meatballs for the frozen ones. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I use a different kind of broth?

You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for beef broth, although it will slightly change the flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dish in the oven?

This recipe is designed for the slow cooker, but if you prefer to use the oven, you can bake the meatballs and then prepare the gravy on the stove.

4. How do I thicken the gravy if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use flour as an alternative to cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy to thicken it.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating.

6. Can I make this recipe without the onion soup mix?

If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a combination of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Feel free to add peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains brown gravy mix and onion soup mix, which may not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free versions of these products if needed.

9. How long should I cook the meatballs in the slow cooker?

Cook the meatballs on low heat for 4-6 hours. This will ensure they are fully heated through and tender.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and cook them in a larger slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. With minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this easy slow cooker recipe will quickly become a go-to in your meal planning rotation. Enjoy the rich, savory gravy and tender meatballs—it’s comfort food at its finest!