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If you’re craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that requires almost no hands-on time, the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, savory gravy that’s been slow-cooked to perfection, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you relax. This dish combines the classic flavors of Salisbury steak with the ease of frozen meatballs, transforming simple ingredients into an impressive yet effortless meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients work hand in hand to create a luscious, hearty dish full of flavor and comfort. Each component has a crucial role, from the savory broth that forms the gravy’s base to the seasoning mixes that add depth and warmth to every bite.
- Frozen meatballs (26 oz / 737 g): Using frozen helps keep things easy and ensures juicy, tender meatballs after slow cooking.
- Beef broth (2 cups, reduced-sodium recommended): This forms the rich, hearty base of the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet): Adds that classic gravy thickness and savory flavor quintessential to Salisbury steak.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Infuses the gravy with a deep, aromatic onion flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): A little tang and sweetness balances the savory sauce perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends an umami punch and complexity to the gravy.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used at the end for thickening the sauce to that perfect consistency.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that ensures the gravy thickens evenly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the slow cooker insert with a nonstick cooking spray. This little step prevents the meatballs and gravy from sticking to the sides, making both cooking and cleanup easier. It’s a simple tip that saves time later!
Step 2: Add the Frozen Meatballs
Place the bag of frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker without thawing. Distribute them evenly across the bottom so they cook uniformly, which is key to getting that perfect tenderness throughout.
Step 3: Mix the Gravy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is smooth and well combined. This flavorful sauce is the magic that transforms these simple meatballs into a hearty, soul-warming meal.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour your prepared gravy evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the cooker to LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours. If you want, gently stir halfway through to ensure even heat distribution, but this step isn’t required—you’re mostly hands-off!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker. The sauce will thicken beautifully, coating each meatball in a luscious gravy that’s just right.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Salisbury steak meatballs over your favorite egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. This is the moment where your cozy, comforting meal comes together, ready to delight everyone at the table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the plate and add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a pleasant pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll with the gravy as a sandwich, making a hearty Salisbury steak meatball sub. Alternatively, plating the meatballs atop creamy polenta can introduce a delightful texture variation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover meatballs and gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This dish keeps well, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure the gravy heats evenly and the meatballs stay tender without drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water during reheating can help restore sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines in its convenience using frozen meatballs, homemade ones can add a personal touch. Just be sure to cook them through and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it better to cook on LOW or HIGH in the slow cooker?
Cooking on LOW for 5-6 hours yields the best texture and flavor, allowing the meatballs to become tender and the gravy to develop richness without drying out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free meatballs and replacing the gravy and soup mix with gluten-free versions, you can enjoy this comforting meal without worry.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the meatballs and spoon easily but not so thick that it becomes clumpy. Adjust thickness by adding more slurry or broth, depending on your preference.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving with a covered dish on medium power can also work well to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a true game changer when it comes to easy, comforting dinners. It combines the classic flavors we love with the simplicity of slow cooker convenience. Once you try it, it will likely become a go-to meal for busy nights or cozy weekends. So grab that slow cooker and start simmering a pot of cozy deliciousness tonight—you won’t regret it!
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples like beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix, it creates a rich, savory gravy that infuses the meatballs with classic Salisbury steak flavors. Slow cooking ensures tender meatballs and a thick, flavorful sauce, ideal served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz / 737 g) frozen meatballs, do not thaw
Gravy Sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, reduced-sodium recommended
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, distributing evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Gravy Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Cook: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. Stir gently halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Thicken Gravy: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the gravy to your liking.
- Serve: Spoon the Salisbury steak meatballs with gravy over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Do not thaw the frozen meatballs before cooking to maintain texture and reduce prep time.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps ensure even heat distribution and prevents sticking.
- The gravy can be thickened to your preferred consistency by adjusting the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
