Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe is the epitome of a stress-free, delicious meal. The beauty lies in its simplicity and hands-off preparation. With just a few ingredients, including frozen meatballs, a packet of brown gravy mix, and some savory seasonings, you can have a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich brown gravy creates itself during the slow cooking process, and the addition of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup enhances the depth of flavor. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making it a complete meal that your whole family will love.

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (see notes)

• 1 packet brown gravy mix

• 1 packet onion soup mix

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cornstarch Slurry:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (see notes)

• 2 tablespoons cold water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Spray the insert of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Dump the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.

4. Pour the mixture over the frozen meatballs and stir to coat them evenly.

5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours.

6. Once the cook time is done, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl using a fork. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot.

7. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

8. Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 6 hours on low

• Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Meatball Variety: You can switch up the flavor by using different types of frozen meatballs, such as turkey, Italian, or even lean beef meatballs.

• Gravy Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by varying the amount of cornstarch and water in the slurry. For a thicker gravy, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and for a thinner gravy, use 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and water.

• Reduced-Sodium Option: If you’re concerned about sodium, opt for reduced-sodium beef broth and reduced-sodium gravy mix. For a completely low-sodium version, use reduced-sodium versions of all the ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken further upon cooling, but it will remain flavorful.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of beef broth or water.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh meatballs may require less time to cook.

2. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.

3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

This recipe is designed for the slow cooker, but you can cook the meatballs in the oven and then combine them with the gravy mixture. You’ll need to adjust the cooking method and time for the oven.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Salisbury steak meatballs. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free gravy mix and onion soup mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as peas or carrots to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

7. What can I serve with Salisbury steak meatballs?

Mashed potatoes or egg noodles are the most common sides for this dish, but you can also serve it with rice or steamed vegetables.

8. Can I use a slow cooker on high heat instead of low?

Yes, you can cook this on high heat, but the cooking time will be reduced to about 3-4 hours. Just check to ensure the meatballs are heated through and the gravy has thickened.

9. Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce or skip it entirely for a slightly different flavor.

10. Can I use regular beef broth instead of reduced-sodium?

You can use regular beef broth, but it will make the gravy much saltier. If you prefer to use regular broth, you may want to skip or reduce the amount of salt in other ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs is a convenient, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The rich gravy and savory meatballs make this a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s easy enough for a weeknight but hearty enough for a special dinner.

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