Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Published: August 31, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: You can quickly throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and savory sauces creates a deep, rich flavor that is simply irresistible.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful meatballs, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair the meatballs with various sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to suit your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields six servings, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender meatballs infused with gravy flavor.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free gravy mixture, enhancing the overall texture of your dish.

Ingredients

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a hearty and comforting meal made with frozen meatballs, rich beef gravy, and a hint of tang from ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, they come out tender and flavorful, ready to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

For the Meatballs

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30-35 meatballs)

For the Gravy Sauce

2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Thickening

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. There’s no need to defrost them beforehand; they will cook perfectly from frozen.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the beef broth,
2. Brown gravy mix,
3. Onion soup mix,
4. Ketchup,
5. Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are evenly coated with the gravy.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and set your slow cooker on low heat. Cook for 4-6 hours or until meatballs are heated through and tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last 30 minutes of cooking:
1. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Add this slurry to the slow cooker and stir well.
3. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal everyone will love!

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Serving Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is easy and versatile. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, allowing you to create a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Over Mashed Potatoes

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy perfectly. Simply whip up some buttery mashed potatoes to serve as a base for the meatballs.

With Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are a classic pairing for meatballs. Cook them until tender and let them soak up the delicious gravy from the meatballs for added flavor.

On Rice

Serve the meatballs over cooked rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the savory gravy, making each bite satisfying.

In a Sandwich

For a fun twist, place the meatballs in a toasted bun and drizzle with extra gravy. This makes for a hearty sandwich that’s great for lunch or dinner.

As an Appetizer

If you’re hosting a gathering, these meatballs can be served as an appetizer. Just keep them warm in the slow cooker and provide toothpicks for easy serving.

With Vegetables

Pair your dish with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots for a balanced meal. They add color and nutrition to your plate.

How to Perfect Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

To get the most out of your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, consider these helpful tips:

Use Quality Meatballs: Choose high-quality frozen meatballs for better flavor and texture.
Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer thicker gravy, let it cook longer without the lid during the last 30 minutes.
Experiment with Seasonings: Add garlic powder or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile if desired.
Make It Ahead of Time: This recipe is great for meal prep; simply store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for quick meals.
Pair with Broth: If using homemade beef broth, it can elevate the taste significantly compared to store-bought options.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving; adjust seasoning as necessary for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

When serving Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs, consider these delicious side dishes that will complement your main course perfectly.

Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover gravy.
Creamed Spinach: This rich side adds creaminess and balances the hearty flavors of the meatballs.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and sweetness alongside savory flavors.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer an alternative starch option that pairs well with gravy.
Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out richer elements of this meal.
Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans complement the savory meat and gravy beautifully.
Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, serve mashed cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience with the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using Non-Frozen Meatballs: Fresh meatballs may not hold their shape in the slow cooker. Stick to frozen meatballs for best results.
Ignoring the Gravy Mix Ratios: Too much or too little gravy mix can lead to an overly salty or bland dish. Follow the recipe closely for balanced flavors.
Not Stirring the Meatballs: Failing to stir the meatballs after adding the gravy can result in uneven coating. Gently mix them to ensure every meatball is covered.
Overcooking: Cooking for too long can make the meatballs tough. Keep an eye on cooking time and check for tenderness at the 4-hour mark.
Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry: Omitting the thickening step may leave you with a watery gravy. Always add the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to achieve that perfect consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Ensure the dish cools before sealing for storage.

Freezing Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Label containers with dates and contents for easy tracking.

Reheating Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes, ensuring even heating.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely. Check every minute until heated through, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs, but cooking times may vary. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

How can I customize my Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles complement this dish beautifully, making it a versatile meal option.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular gravy mix and onion soup mix with gluten-free versions available at most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

The Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a comforting dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. Its versatility allows you to serve it over various sides while customizing flavors as per your liking. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!

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