Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that brings the warmth of home cooking without a lot of fuss, you’ve come to the right place! This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The rich beef gravy and tender meatballs make this dish feel like a warm hug on your plate. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or potlucks—everyone loves it!

What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is. You can toss everything into the slow cooker in just a few minutes, then let it do all the work while you go about your day. When you come back, your home will be filled with mouthwatering aromas, and dinner will be ready to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and you’re good to go!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these savory meatballs smothered in delicious gravy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef broth, onion soup mix, and tangy ketchup creates an irresistible sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful meatballs:

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

To Thicken the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s dive into some fun variations!

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking for a richer sauce.

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing those frozen meatballs right into your slow cooker. This step is super simple but essential because it sets the foundation for all those delicious flavors that will develop as they cook.

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 mixture is what makes our meatballs sing! The combination creates a rich gravy that envelops each meatball in flavor.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour that luscious gravy mixture over the meatballs in your slow cooker. Take a moment to stir gently so every meatball gets coated with that amazing sauce. This ensures every bite will be packed with flavor!

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours. Letting them cook slowly allows all those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving time, mix together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to your slow cooker and stir well—it’s what will take your gravy from good to absolutely fantastic! Let it cook for another half hour so it can thicken up nicely.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, it’s time to dig in! Serve your Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

Enjoy making this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe—it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

Making the perfect Salisbury steak meatballs is all about those little touches that boost flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out delicious every time!

• Use High-Quality Meatballs: Choosing good-quality frozen meatballs can make a big difference in taste. Look for options made with lean beef or chicken, which often have better flavor and texture.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the gravy mixture, such as garlic powder or black pepper. This allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.

• Don’t Skip the Thickeners: The cornstarch slurry is essential for achieving that rich, velvety gravy texture. If you prefer a thicker gravy, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

• Cook on Low for Best Results: Cooking on low allows the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the gravy over time, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Avoid cooking on high unless you’re short on time.

• Let it Rest Before Serving: After cooking, allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together even more and make for a better presentation.

How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe

This delicious dish can be presented in numerous ways to impress your family or guests. Here are some delightful ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh color contrast and brightens up the dish visually.
• Sliced Green Onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the savory gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, mashed potatoes provide a fluffy base that soaks up all that rich gravy, creating a comforting meal.
• Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture and slight sweetness balance out the hearty meatballs perfectly, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
• Fluffy Rice: Simple white or brown rice is an excellent option that absorbs the flavors of the gravy while keeping things light.
• Egg Noodles: These tender noodles are another fantastic vehicle for the luscious gravy, making each bite satisfying and filling.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs will become a beloved go-to recipe in your household! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
• For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

FAQs

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

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen for the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will work great with this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I thicken the gravy in my Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe?

If you want your gravy thicker, simply add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just like mentioned in the instructions.

Can I make this recipe without beef broth?

Yes! You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or any low-sodium broth of your choice for a lighter flavor.

What sides go well with Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, along with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, I truly believe you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!