Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that requires minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place! This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is a family favorite in my home. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away, making everyone eager to sit down and enjoy dinner together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

What makes this dish even more special is how easy it is to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and you’ll have tender meatballs swimming in rich gravy, ready to serve over mashed potatoes or rice. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You only need about 10 minutes to get everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
• Family-Friendly: These meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love meatballs?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep this dish in advance and let the slow cooker handle dinner while you focus on other things.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef broth, gravy mix, and tangy ketchup creates a savory sauce that elevates these meatballs to another level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy ingredients for this recipe—just simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs

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

For the Gravy

• 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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand! Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or turkey meatballs instead of beef for a lighter twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Herb it up: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. This step is so simple but essential! You want them to be at the bottom where they can absorb all that delicious flavor from the gravy.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures that all those flavors meld together beautifully before pouring over the meatballs.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Now, pour that luscious gravy mixture over your frozen meatballs. Gently stir everything together so each meatball gets coated. This helps every bite burst with flavor as they cook!

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours. The long cooking time allows those flavors to deepen while ensuring that your meatballs become incredibly tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

In the last half hour of cooking, prepare your cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to your slow cooker and stir gently. This will thicken up your gravy beautifully!

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, serve these mouthwatering Salisbury steak meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles. Your family will be delighted with this comforting meal that’s sure to make everyone’s day brighter!

Pro Tips for Making Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Cooking can be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you make your Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs even more delicious!

• Use frozen meatballs for convenience: Frozen meatballs save time and effort. There’s no need to thaw or cook them beforehand, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

• Opt for reduced-sodium broth: Using reduced-sodium beef broth helps balance the flavors in your dish without overpowering it with salt. This way, you can enjoy the savory richness while keeping it healthier.

• Let the gravy thicken at the end: Adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking ensures that your gravy has a rich, velvety texture. It allows for a better consistency that’s perfect for coating your meatballs and side dishes.

• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add additional herbs or spices such as garlic powder or black pepper to customize the flavor profile of your dish. Small tweaks can make a big difference!

• Don’t rush it: Slow cooking is all about patience! Letting your meatballs simmer on low heat for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Serving up these tasty meatballs is all about presentation and pairing them perfectly with sides that complement their hearty flavor.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each serving, enhancing both appearance and taste.
• Sliced green onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and add a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the meatballs.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice! Rich and buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy from the meatballs.

• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and texture to your plate. Their crispness contrasts beautifully with the soft meatballs and gravy.

• Buttery Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are excellent at capturing sauce. Their chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the Salisbury steak meatballs.

• Garlic Bread: For those who love dipping, serve some warm garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for sopping up any extra gravy left on your plate!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting meal that’s sure to please family and friends alike. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your future meals just as delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the meatballs and gravy into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, portion the meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs with homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade meatball recipe. Just ensure they’re cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If you find that your gravy isn’t thick enough, simply mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use other types of broth for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor profile while still keeping the dish delicious!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Definitely! This recipe freezes well and can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings back wonderful memories of family dinners. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for an easy dinner option, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!