When it comes to comforting meals, nothing beats a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, and this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe hits all the right notes. Imagine tender meatballs, slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy, served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even on their own. This dish combines the savory flavors of classic Salisbury steak with the ease and convenience of a slow cooker, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to serve on special occasions.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
What’s not to love about slow cooker meals? They are incredibly easy to prepare, require minimal hands-on effort, and deliver mouthwatering results every time. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs take these qualities to a whole new level. The meatballs are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth-based gravy, which not only makes them incredibly tender but also imparts a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
What makes this dish so delightful is its uncomplicated nature. All you need is a few pantry staples, frozen meatballs, and a slow cooker to create a savory, satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over a bed of vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
To make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs) – These are the star of the dish, and using frozen meatballs saves time while still delivering a delicious meal.
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth – The broth serves as the base for the savory gravy, bringing rich flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix – Adds a hearty, umami-rich flavor to the gravy, giving it that classic Salisbury steak taste.
- 1 packet onion soup mix – This mix adds depth and savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – A touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds complexity and a deep, savory flavor that makes the gravy irresistible.
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Used to thicken the gravy, giving it that perfect consistency that coats the meatballs beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons cold water – To mix with the cornstarch, forming the slurry that thickens the gravy.
Directions for Perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by setting up your slow cooker. Simply place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker’s bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The beauty of using frozen meatballs is that they go straight from the freezer into the slow cooker without any need to thaw or cook them beforehand. This saves you time and makes meal prep a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the gravy mix and soup mix are fully dissolved into the broth. This step is key to creating a smooth, flavorful gravy that will coat the meatballs perfectly.
The combination of beef broth and the dry seasoning mixes creates a rich, savory gravy with layers of flavor. The Worcestershire sauce brings a little tang, while the ketchup adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory depth. Once the mixture is well combined, you’re ready to pour it over the meatballs.
Step 3: Pour the Gravy Mixture Over the Meatballs
Pour the gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the meatballs with the gravy, using a spoon or spatula to gently stir the mixture and coat the meatballs evenly. Be careful not to break the meatballs apart—just stir gently to ensure they’re all covered in the savory gravy.
This is where the magic starts to happen. As the meatballs cook slowly, they will absorb the flavors of the gravy and become tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The slow cooker allows all these ingredients to meld together over the course of several hours, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and brand of your slow cooker, but in general, 4-5 hours on low will be perfect. During this time, the meatballs will heat through and absorb the flavors of the gravy, becoming tender and juicy.
You’ll know the meatballs are ready when they are fully heated through and tender to the touch. If you like your gravy to be a little thicker, you can move on to the next step to thicken it up. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can skip this step and serve the meatballs as they are.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture forms a smooth slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine it with the gravy. The cornstarch will gradually thicken the gravy, giving it that rich, velvety texture that coats the meatballs.
Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low. During this time, the gravy will thicken to your desired consistency. If it’s not thick enough for your liking, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry, but be sure to whisk it well to avoid any lumps.
Step 6: Serve the Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs! These savory meatballs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. The meatballs themselves are tender and flavorful, while the gravy is rich and savory, adding just the right touch of comfort to your meal.
If you’re serving this dish for dinner, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the meatballs and gravy. Your family or guests will love this hearty, flavorful dish that’s so easy to make in the slow cooker.
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
When it comes to comfort food, it’s important to know how much you’re eating, especially when it’s so satisfying! Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 20g
This meal is a great balance of protein and flavor, offering a hearty meal without the guilt. Whether you’re looking to serve it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread, it’s a great choice for satisfying your hunger while keeping things simple.
Tips for Success
Use Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth
To keep this meal on the healthier side, opt for reduced-sodium beef broth. This helps reduce the overall sodium content of the dish without sacrificing flavor. The other seasonings and the gravy mix will still give you that rich, savory flavor without the extra salt.
Adjust the Gravy Thickness
If you prefer your gravy a bit thinner or thicker, you can easily adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry you use. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed, but remember that the gravy will thicken more as it cools, so avoid over-thickening it.
Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker
If you want to make this meal even heartier, consider adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas to the slow cooker along with the meatballs. They’ll cook in the gravy and take on its rich flavor, making your meal even more satisfying.
Serve Over Your Favorite Side Dish
While mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for Salisbury steak meatballs, you can serve them over rice, egg noodles, or even a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. The rich gravy will soak into whatever you choose, making every bite delicious.
Related Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe, you might want to check out these other comforting, slow cooker meals:
- Creamy Meatballs with Crispy Bacon
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Conclusion
Incorporating a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. The meatballs are juicy, tender, and flavorful, while the savory gravy brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s effortless—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal in a few hours! Enjoy your flavorful, hearty dinner!
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Perfect Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Every Time
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a savory, easy-to-make dish with tender meatballs simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, these meatballs cook to perfection in your slow cooker for a comforting, fuss-free meal. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Cornstarch Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. -
Make the Gravy:
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined. -
Pour the Gravy Mixture:
Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly. -
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and tender. -
Thicken the Gravy:
Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. -
Serve:
Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use regular beef broth if reduced-sodium isn’t available.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more cornstarch slurry if needed.
- For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to the gravy mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, Meatball Gravy Recipe, Comfort Food Meatballs, Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs, Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs