Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that practically cooks itself, and Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs might just be the ultimate example. Imagine coming home to tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, savory brown gravy that tastes like it simmered on the stovetop all day—except you barely had to lift a finger. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic Salisbury steak, made super simple with the help of frozen meatballs and your trusty slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish offers all the comforting flavors of a homemade meal without the time commitment.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of ease, versatility, and mouth-watering flavor. It uses frozen meatballs (yes, those convenient ones you have in your freezer!) that slowly cook in a savory sauce made from beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms, resulting in a rich, deeply flavorful gravy that soaks into the meatballs as they cook. Serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and you’ve got a complete, hearty meal that’s guaranteed to please the whole family.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make these Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs as easy and delicious as possible. I’ll also share tips on choosing the best frozen meatballs, ways to customize the recipe, and tricks for thickening the gravy to your preferred consistency. This recipe is so simple and flexible, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation.

Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: Toss everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, dinner is served. It doesn’t get much simpler than this.

Hearty and Comforting: The rich, beefy gravy and tender meatballs make this a comforting meal, perfect for cozy nights at home.

Uses Pantry Staples: This recipe relies on common ingredients like frozen meatballs, canned mushrooms, and beef broth—no need for any hard-to-find ingredients.

Budget-Friendly: Frozen meatballs and pantry ingredients make this a cost-effective meal that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.

Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to suit your taste, or add some veggies for a complete one-pot meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: Serves 6-8
• Serving Size: About 5-6 meatballs with gravy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs and Gravy:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef or turkey, about 30-40 meatballs)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (for a touch of sweetness and tang)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Thickening the Gravy (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh thyme leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Onion: Finely chop 1 medium onion. This will add a slight sweetness and extra flavor to the gravy. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can substitute with shallots.
2. Slice the Mushrooms: If using fresh mushrooms, slice them thinly. You can also use canned mushrooms—just make sure to drain them well.
3. Make the Gravy Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the rich, savory base that turns into gravy as it cooks with the meatballs.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Onion and Mushrooms: Place the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker. These will release moisture and flavor as they cook, adding depth to the gravy.
2. Add the Frozen Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs on top of the onion and mushroom layer. No need to thaw them; just add them straight from the freezer.
3. Pour the Gravy Mixture: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meatballs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Gently Stir: Use a spoon to gently mix the meatballs and gravy, ensuring all the meatballs are coated but trying not to break them up.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together more slowly, but either option works well depending on your schedule.
2. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, check to see if the meatballs are heated through and tender, and the gravy has thickened slightly. The meatballs should be warm all the way through and nicely coated in gravy.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

1. Combine Cornstarch and Water: If you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the gravy.
3. Cook for 15-20 More Minutes: Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Meatballs: Spoon the Salisbury steak meatballs onto a plate or into a bowl along with a generous helping of gravy.
2. Garnish: For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the rich, savory gravy.
• With Egg Noodles: The noodles soak up the gravy, adding even more flavor to every bite.
• On Rice: For a gluten-free option, serve the meatballs over fluffy rice.
• With Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli make a great side.
• As a Meatball Sub: For a twist, serve the meatballs in a soft hoagie roll with some gravy on top.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose High-Quality Meatballs: The quality of your frozen meatballs will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for meatballs with minimal fillers and high meat content for the best flavor and texture.
2. Use Low-Sodium Broth: Since the recipe includes both soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which are salty, using low-sodium beef broth helps prevent the gravy from becoming overly salty.
3. Don’t Overcook: Slow cookers vary, so check on your meatballs after the minimum cook time to avoid overcooking. Overcooked meatballs can become too soft and may fall apart in the gravy.
4. Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip the cornstarch step. For a thicker gravy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water if needed.
5. Try Different Meatball Flavors: While traditional beef meatballs work great, feel free to experiment with Italian-seasoned or turkey meatballs for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

1. Swedish-Inspired Meatballs: Add a pinch of allspice and nutmeg to the gravy for a Swedish meatball twist, then serve with lingonberry jam.
2. Spicy Salisbury Steak Meatballs: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for a little heat.
3. Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a sprig or two of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an herbal note that complements the beefy flavors.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your meatballs and cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free, and replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
5. Creamier Gravy: For an extra rich and creamy gravy, add 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftover meatballs and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freezing: Place the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A 4-quart or larger slow cooker works best for this recipe, giving the meatballs enough space to cook evenly.
• Whisk: For mixing the gravy ingredients and the cornstarch slurry, if using.
• Mixing Bowl: Use to combine the gravy ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe with fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh (uncooked) meatballs, brown them in a skillet first to help them hold their shape, then add to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

2. Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
The cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture to the gravy, but if you prefer not to use it, you can replace it with an additional 1 cup of beef broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.

3. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds depth and a hint of umami, but you can substitute soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar if needed.

4. How can I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
You can use flour as a thickener instead. Stir 2 tablespoons of flour into the beef broth mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery make great additions. Add them at the beginning with the onions and mushrooms so they cook through.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the epitome of easy comfort food, bringing together all the classic flavors of Salisbury steak with minimal effort. With tender meatballs, a savory mushroom and onion gravy, and a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker method, this dish is a winner for busy days when you still want a warm, homemade meal. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, it’s a versatile recipe that can be dressed up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or kept simple to let the gravy shine.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Using frozen meatballs means there’s no need to spend extra time shaping and cooking them, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. With a few pantry staples, you can create a rich, flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered on the stove for hours. So why not pull out your slow cooker and give this recipe a try? You’ll have a cozy, satisfying meal waiting for you with almost no effort at all. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below!

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