Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs recipe that promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Juicy ground beef mingles with aromatic herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering dish.

Weeknight dinners can now be effortless and delicious with minimal preparation.

Each tender meatball soaks up a rich, savory gravy that melts in your mouth.

Pantry staples transform into a restaurant-worthy meal without hours of kitchen labor.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can enjoy a satisfying dinner with zero stress.

Dive into this easy recipe and savor every comforting, flavor-packed bite!

Salisbury Steak Meatballs Made Slow and Tender

• Time-Saving Miracle: Prepare this delicious dish in under 15 minutes of prep time, then let the slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy your day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to suit different tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine pantry staples like beef broth, gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, savory sauce that transforms frozen meatballs into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Slow Cooker) Ingredients

• Frozen Meatballs: Hearty base protein with convenient preparation, pre-formed and ready to cook.

• Onions, Mushrooms: Flavorful base layer adding depth and aromatic foundation to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Rich liquid creating the savory cooking liquid and base for gravy.
• Brown Gravy Mix: Instant seasoning providing deep umami flavor and thickening properties.
• Onion Soup Mix: Concentrated seasoning blend adding instant onion flavor and complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment enhancing meat's richness with complex undertones.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy element balancing sauce flavors.

• Cornstarch: Reliable thickener creating smooth, glossy gravy texture.
• Cold Water: Essential for creating smooth cornstarch slurry without lumps.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb adding color and fresh flavor accent.

• Mashed Potatoes, Egg Noodles, Rice: Versatile base starches for serving the meatballs.

Salisbury Meatballs Slow Cooker Guide

Step 1: Set the Stage

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray.

Create a cozy bed of sliced onions and mushrooms at the bottom of the cooker.

Gently nestle your frozen meatballs on top of this flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Beef broth
• Brown gravy mix
• Onion soup mix
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, tantalizing sauce.

Pour the mixture generously over the waiting meatballs.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen.

If you’re in no rush, cook on low for 5-6 hours.

In a hurry?

The high setting will do the trick in 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Gravy Transformation

With about 30 minutes left, it’s time to thicken things up.

In a small bowl, create a smooth slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water.

Stir this magical mixture into the slow cooker.

Cover and let it work its thickening wonder for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Time to plate up your culinary masterpiece!

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Tender egg noodles
• Fluffy rice

For a final flourish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner is served!

Slow Cooker Tips For Salisbury Steak Meatballs

• Avoid overcooking meatballs by checking internal temperature, which should reach 160°F to maintain juiciness without becoming dry.
• Add a splash of red wine or dark beer to the gravy mixture for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry amount based on desired thickness; start with less and gradually add more to prevent over-thickening.
• Substitute regular gravy mix with gluten-free alternatives and use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for celiac-friendly version.
• Assemble meatballs and sauce ingredients night before, refrigerate, then start slow cooker in the morning for effortless dinner preparation.

Reheating Salisbury Steak Meatballs Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meatballs will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack meatballs and gravy in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer meatballs and gravy to a skillet. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce seems dry.
• Place meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Salisbury Steak Meatball Complements

• Pair Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip up buttery, smooth mashed potatoes that perfectly soak up the rich, savory gravy from the Salisbury steak meatballs.
• Complement with Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the beef's deep, hearty flavors and cut through the gravy's richness.
• Match with Roasted Green Beans: Prepare crisp, garlic-roasted green beans as a fresh, slightly crunchy side that adds a vibrant vegetable element to balance the heavy meatballs.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up extra gravy and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatball Meal Choices

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional meatballs with gluten-free ground beef mixture. Swap brown gravy mix and onion soup mix with gluten-free alternatives. Use cornstarch for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Keep the same seasoning profile for rich flavor.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium beef broth and omit packaged soup mix. Create homemade seasoning blend using herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dried onion powder. Reduce Worcestershire sauce quantity to minimize salt content.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Replace traditional meatballs with ground beef or turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs. Use heavy cream instead of broth for richer gravy. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for low-carb alternative.

FAQs

• Are frozen meatballs okay to use in this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for frozen meatballs, making it super convenient and quick to prepare.

• Can I substitute the brown gravy mix?

While brown gravy mix provides the best flavor, you can use mushroom gravy mix as an alternative if needed.

• Is Worcestershire sauce essential for the recipe?

Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it without completely ruining the dish.

• How do I prevent the gravy from being lumpy?

Always mix the cornstarch with cold water and whisk thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring classic comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Tender beef meatballs simmered in mushroom gravy promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meatballs:

• 26 ounces (737 grams) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 pieces)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced

Gravy Base:

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 ounce/28 grams)
• 1 packet onion soup mix (1 ounce/28 grams)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly spraying with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavorful base by arranging a layer of sliced onions and mushrooms across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Gently place the frozen meatballs on top of the vegetable layer, distributing them evenly.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, craft the savory sauce by combining beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup until well blended.
5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the dish to simmer for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and tender.
7. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
8. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, which will help thicken the gravy and create a rich, glossy sauce.
9. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing the gravy to reach the desired consistency.
10. Transfer the meatballs and gravy to a serving platter, presenting over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade beef or turkey meatballs for a personalized touch and fresher flavor.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and gravy mix to control salt content, perfect for health-conscious individuals.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free gravy mix and replacing Worcestershire sauce with a certified gluten-free alternative.
• Enhance meal prep by making extra meatballs and freezing them for quick future meals, saving time and effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg